Derek Shay

Biography

Derek Shay joined the Aggies gridiron program in January 2026, and serves as the tight ends coach. Shay came to Aggieland after a two-year stint (2024-25) at the University of Kentucky, serving as the Wildcats’ senior offensive analyst and run game specialist for one season (2024) before being promoted to the tight ends coach (2025). During his lone season coaching the tight ends, Shay mentored Willie Rodriguez and Josh Kattus, who finished third and fourth on the team in receiving yards with 310 and 195, respectively. The duo combined for 40 receptions and three touchdowns. In 2024, Shay worked closely with Kentucky’s offensive line, helping power an offense that rushed for 170 yards against No. 1 Georgia and totaled 336 yards of offense in a 20-point road win at No. 6 Ole Miss, including 243 passing yards. The Wildcats also posted a 211-yard passing performance at No. 3 Texas. Shay arrived in Lexington after spending the 2023 season as tight ends coach at Marshall University, where he helped guide the Thundering Herd to a Frisco Bowl appearance. Prior to Marshall, Shay served as a senior offensive analyst at the University of Missouri in 2022 under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. During his time in Columbia, the Tigers became bowl eligible for the second consecutive season, and Shay was recognized by On3.com as one of its “65 Rising Star Support Staff Coaches.” Before Missouri, Shay spent two seasons (2020-21) as a graduate assistant at LSU, working with the tight ends. During