Officially Returns to Kentucky Basketball as Grant Darbyshire Joins Cincinnati Bearcats
- The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program has welcomed back a familiar fac, as Zach Tow officially returns to the staff. Tow’s return comes as Grant Darbyshire departs Lexington to join the Cincinnati Bearcats, marking a notable shift in staff dynamics for both programs.
Tow, who previously served in various support roles within the Kentucky program, brings experience, familiarity, and continuity. His understanding of the program’s culture, daily operations, and player development systems makes his return a valuable asset to head coach Mark Pope, who continues to shape his staff in his first year at the helm following John Calipari’s departure.
Zach Tow’s return is viewed positively by those inside the Kentucky program, especially considering his past work under Calipari, where he played a key role behind the scenes. Tow’s previous responsibilities included video coordination, analytics, and helping prepare scouting reports—skills that will be essential as the Wildcats look to return to national prominence under new leadership.
Meanwhile, Grant Darbyshire is set to begin a new chapter with the Cincinnati Bearcats, joining Wes Miller’s coaching staff. Darbyshire had spent recent seasons at Kentucky and was respected for his work ethic, organization, and his rapport with players and staff. His move to Cincinnati represents both a professional advancement and a return to his Ohio roots, as he joins a Bearcats program on the rise in the Big 12.
Darbyshire’s exit, while a loss for Kentucky, opens the door for a smooth transition with Tow stepping in. The Wildcats are in the midst of a period of significant transition, not only with a new head coach but also with ongoing roster turnover. The addition of a familiar and capable figure like Zach Tow provides stability during this rebuild.
These staff changes reflect the natural movement within college basketball during the offseason, especially amid coaching transitions. For Kentucky, the return of Zach Tow helps maintain institutional knowledge, while Darbyshire’s move to Cincinnati strengthens another top-tier program.
As both men take on new roles in their respective programs, their journeys reflect the growing demand for talented, behind-the-scenes personnel who help power elite college basketball programs. For Kentucky and Cincinnati, these moves are about more than titles—they’re about building culture, structure, and long-term success.
