Bush Hamdan Admits the quiet Hard part out loud about Kentucky football’s 2024 struggles

Speaking to reporters during preseason practice on August 1, 2025, Kentucky offensive coordinator and QB coach Bush Hamdan didn’t hold back. He acknowledged what fans had suspected all along: the offense simply wasn’t good enough last year, and the coaching staff made some key errors along the way.

The Run Game Misfire

Hamdan pointed directly to his own decisions in handling Vandagriff’s skill set. In hindsight, relying on designed quarterback runs for a player not built for heavy rushing in the SEC turned out to be a costly mistake. “That guy’s going to take hits regardless,” Hamdan admitted. “We’ve got to be smarter than that, and I take full responsibility.”

Vandagriff’s stats told the story. He threw just 10 touchdown passes against 8 interceptions, with a modest 6.57 yards per attempt. On the ground, he struggled even more—90 carries netted only 131 yards once sacks were included. The offense as a whole was stagnant, cracking the 20-point mark just three times against Power 5 teams and finishing the season at 4–8.

From a scheme standpoint, Kentucky never seemed to find its rhythm. The team began the year flirting with Rutgers transfer Gavin Wimsatt, suggesting even then there were doubts about Vandagriff’s fit. Yet Hamdan stuck with him, and the offense sputtered.

Low points included scoring just 6 points against South Carolina, 12 against Georgia, 13 against Vanderbilt, and only 14 in a rivalry loss to Louisville. The offense frequently vanished during pivotal moments, putting added pressure on the defense, which eventually broke down.

A Chance to Reset

Despite the disappointment, Hamdan didn’t dodge accountability. His transparency is rare among SEC coaches and reflects a willingness to learn and adjust. The key question now: can he turn things around in 2025?

Former Texas A&M and Auburn quarterback Zach Calzada is expected to lead the offense this fall. And early signs point to more consistency and a clearer offensive identity. If Hamdan applies the lessons from last season—smarter play calling, better personnel usage, and fewer self-inflicted wounds—Kentucky may finally build an offense tough enough to compete.