John Schlarman, assistant coach for the University of Kentucky football team and an All-Southeastern Conference offensive lineman during his playing days at UK, died Thursday following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 45.

Schlarman was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in the summer of 2018. The determination he displayed as a Kentucky football player was reflected in his fight against the disease. He continued to coach through countless treatments – his tenacity an inspiration to UK players and everyone else around him – and did not miss a game until UK’s two most recent contests. His final appearance on the sidelines was October 17 at Tennessee, when Stoops awarded Schlarman the game ball following the Wildcats’ win.

Schlarman was an original member of Stoops’ staff in 2013, working tirelessly to help rebuild a football program that he loved dearly.  A perfect fit for Stoops’ blue-collar approach, Schlarman’s offensive line played a key role in the process that culminated with four consecutive bowl appearances from 2016-19. In 2018, UK went 10-3, the school’s first 10-win season in 41 years, topped by a win over Penn State in the VRBO Citrus Bowl.  UK followed with a win over Virginia Tech in the 2019 Belk Bowl. 

During the last four seasons, Kentucky broke numerous school records, including single-season records for most rushing yards, most rushing touchdowns and most rushing yards per attempt. In 2016 and ’19, Schlarman’s Cats were semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award given to the nation’s top offensive line.

Individually, guards Logan Stenberg and Bunchy Stallings earned All-America honors. Stenberg, Stallings, centers Jon Toth and Drake Jackson, and tackle Landon Young received All-SEC accolades.  The linemen helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the last four seasons, Stanley “Boom” Williams, Benny Snell Jr. and Lynn Bowden Jr.  Snell reached the 1,000-yard mark three times and left UK as the school’s all-time leading rusher.

Schlarman enrolled at UK in 1993 and was a four-year starter from 1994-97, earning first-team All-SEC honors as a senior. He also was a member of the SEC All-Freshman Team in 1994 and was chosen the team’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1995 and ’96.  Following his junior season, he was chosen for the “Unsung Hero All-America Team” by the College Football Chronicle.

Also an outstanding student, Schlarman was a three-year member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and a finalist for Academic All-America in 1997. Mirroring his precise approach on the field, he graduated with a degree in mathematics.

“I’m heartbroken to learn about the passing of my friend, John Schlarman,” said UK head coach Mark Stoops. “My prayers go out to LeeAnne and the kids, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew and Evelyn, through this very difficult time.

“John was everything we all strive to be – honest, tough, fair, respected. Kentucky football won’t be the same without him but his legacy will never fade. He was a fighter and we will strive every day to honor his warrior spirit.”

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY Susan Lax; COURTESY KENTUCKY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS