The University of Kentucky football program suddenly has an opening for an assistant coach.

The school announced on Thursday that assistant head coach Steve Ortmayer was no longer on staff. No reason was given for Ortmayer's departure, but UK said it was a decision made by head coach Joker Phillips. Ortmayer couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

"I appreciate the time and effort that Steve has given to Kentucky football," Phillips said in a release. "I thank him for his contributions to the team and wish him all the best."

Ortmayer, who coached special teams and tight ends at UK, was a member of Rich Brooks' original staff at Kentucky in 2003. He spent 25 years in the NFL as an assistant coach, including 19 as a special teams coordinator and 18 as a director of football operations. He coached special teams for the Oakland Raiders' 1981 and 1984 Super Bowl champions.

In 2004, UK's special teams set a school record by blocking nine kicks. In 2005, Kentucky broke school records for kickoff and punt-return average and was the only team in the nation to rank in the top five in both categories.

There is no immediate replacement for Ortmayer, but Phillips is expected to begin a search immediately.