Running backs coach Larry Brinson and secondary coach Chris Thurmond are no longer with the football program, and their positions are open, UK athletics spokesman Tony Neely confirmed Tuesday morning.

Additionally, a new defensive coordinator will be hired, and will serve as co-defensive coordinator with Steve Brown, who has been defensive coordinator for the program since 2007.

Brinson joined the UK staff in 2007, while Thurmond joined in 2008. Neely could not confirm whether the assistants left of their own accord or not.

UK posted two openings for assistant coach positions with the football program this morning on its human resources page.

At his Monday news conference, UK head coach Joker Phillips said he was continuously evaluating the program, including staff members.

“Every day we’ve got to try to evaluate the program, and staff is a part of that,” Phillips said. “Recruiting is a part of it, the training room is a part of it, our training table, everything is a part of it.”

The listings for the position can be found here and here.

Most of the coaching staff is on the road recruiting during this week. Practice resumes Saturday morning.