Phillips continues reshaping coaching staff

University of Kentucky football coach Joker Phillips said at his Monday news conference he learned in his first year on the job about the tough decisions head coaches have to make.

It hasn't taken Phillips long to act on those decisions.

UK spokesman Tony Neely confirmed Tuesday that Phillips has made changes to his coaching staff. Running backs coach Larry Brinson and safeties coach Chris Thurmond have been let go. Also, Phillips will hire a new defensive assistant who will serve as co-coordinator with Steve Brown.

Brown was a member of Rich Brooks' original UK staff in 2003, and he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2007. The defense made significant improvement in Brown's first three years, going from 118th nationally in total defense to 53rd and sending several players to the NFL. But the defense regressed in 2010, largely because of personnel losses. The Wildcats are a respectable 49th among Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense but rank 79th against the run and 104th in turnovers forced. Official hirings won't be announced for at least a week, as job openings must be posted on the UK Web site for seven days.

Several coaches with ties to Phillips could be candidates for the openings, including:

Katie Cassidy Estella Warren Cinthia Moura Monica Potter Brittany Snow