Will Stein breaks silence on joining UK
Kentucky football brings his Bluegrass State hometown back to lead the Wildcats. After firing Mark Stoops after a 13-season run, Will Stein enters Leckington.
He will leave his position as Oregon’s offensive coordinator — where he torched Dante Moore this season and turned Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix into NFL-caliber quarterbacks. Although he said Pete Nakos of On3/Rivals that Kentucky is at home.
“Growing up in Kentucky and sitting in the stands at UK games as a kid, I could only dream of one day leading the Wildcats,” Stein said. “This is truly a dream come true.”
He returns as a Louisville native plus former graduate assistant or rival Cardinals. But now he will energize a Southeastern Conference program.
What Will Stein is getting into in Kentucky
The 36-year-old leaves one of the nation’s most prominent programs in Eugene. Oregon heads into the College Football Playoff with a record of 11-1 by all accounts. Stein plans to remain in his OC duties through the postseason per multiple reports.
Stein brings a powerful spread offense and professional style to Leckington. His system is built around simple reads, exploiting mismatches and focusing on the playmaker. Oregon ranks third among Big Ten offenses with an average of 465.2 rushing yards per game (more than Ohio State). Stein worked wonders with transfer KB Moore — throwing for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns and six picks.
Kentucky is replacing the winningest head coach in program history. He won a total of 82 games at a place steeped in basketball prestige — including eight steals (a school record).
However, UK went 3-13 in SEC play the last two seasons. Kentucky obviously wants a guy who can compete with conference heavyweights. Stein comes with CFP experience and winning the 2024 Big Ten title with Dan Lanning and company. Now there is college football recruiting starts to dive into the beginning of December, as well as dive into the portal.
2025-12-02 04:50:00
