Former Wildcat joins Joker’s staff

Former Wildcat joins Joker’s staff

by Drew Franklin @ 2:39 pm. Filed under Blue Blooded Opinions

Former Kentucky wide receiver Tommy Cook has joined “Operation Win” as a graduate assistant coach. While sitting out with an injury in 2004, Cook assisted Phillips with the wide receivers. Joker says he has been recruiting Cook to come on as a coach for quite some time.

“I’ve tried to get Tommy here since he graduated,” Phillips said. “The leadership and toughness he showed as a player, and the respect that he will earn from the (current) players, are the qualities that will make him a great coach.” (via UKAthletics.com)

Cook replaces Dontae Wright as grad assistant for the defensive coaches after a four year career in medical sales.

“I had a good (work) opportunity coming out of school and I wanted to be a ‘coat-and-tie guy,’” said Cook, who spent four years in medical sales following his playing days. “But my grandfather was a football coach and principal, and my father was a football coach and teacher, so it’s in my blood.

“I kept in contact with Coach Phillips and came back to work at (UK) football camps. Coach (Rich) Brooks and Coach Phillips were instrumental in me returning (for the GA role). I’m really excited to get to work on Coach Phillips’ staff.” (via UKAthletic.com)

Cook was a team captain as a player at UK and he is a huge addition to the coaching staff.

Go Graduate Assistant Cats.