Mike Archer, defensive coordinator at the University
of Kentucky, has resigned in order to accept another coaching position.
Archer has been the defensive coordinator at UK for the past four
seasons, working to build a unit that has been challenged by low
scholarship
numbers, injuries, and inexperience. Archer's patient building began
showing signs of improvement during the 2006 season, as the Wildcats
posted an 8-5 record, including a 28-20 victory over Clemson in the
Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl.
After allowing 34.1 points per game in 2005, UK improved to 28.4 points
per game during the 2006 season. The Wildcats also generated 32
takeaways on defense and the turnover margin of +15 will put UK as one
of the
top teams in the nation in that category when final NCAA statistics are
released. The defense played some of its best football in the final
two games of the season in a 17-12 loss to Tennessee in Knoxville,
followed by the bowl win in which the Wildcats surrendered only six
points
until the fourth quarter and also held the powerful Clemson running
game
well below its season average.
"I appreciate everything Mike Archer has put into the UK program,"
Coach Rich Brooks said. "Obviously, we had a very difficult rebuilding
job
but he got it done this year with a relatively young defensive group.
We wish him well. Karen and I have enjoyed Mike and Barbara personally
as friends and we're sorry to see them go. We'll be making an
announcement on a replacement soon."
"I greatly appreciate what Coach Brooks has done in support of me,"
Archer said. "I also thank our coaches, our players, and our fans.
The
bowl game was a great experience, something I'll never forget,
especially how our fans turned out for the 'Cat Walk' before the game.
I'm
looking forward to the next opportunity and challenge."
A native of State College, Pa., Archer played his college football at
Miami (Fla.). He has coached at Miami, LSU, Virginia, Kentucky
(1993-95), and the Pittsburgh Steelers before returning for a second
stint at
UK in 2003.
