New Rice head coach Scott Abell has found his first defensive coordinator from within, promoting linebackers' coach Jon Kay. The news was first reported by Zach Barnett of FootballScoop. A source confirmed to Dave Campbell's TexasFootball that the deal should be finalized tomorrow.
Former Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren hired Kay onto the defensive staff in March 2023 after a legendary tenure at Galena Park North Shore High School. Kay began his coaching career at North Shore as a defensive assistant for David Aymond, winning the school's first state title in 2003. When Aymond retired in 2013, Kay took over as head coach and went 117–18 over nine seasons, playing in five state championships and winning four of them.
The move gives Abell, who's never coached in Texas, a strong tie to the state's high school ranks.
Rice finished 4–8 this past season. The Owls were ranked third in the American Athletic Conference in total defense.
This story was updated at 8:00 p.m. Dec. 16 to reflect the deal's pending finalization on Dec. 17.
This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.