Breaking news! Kentucky is on the verge of a major transformation, finalizing a deal to bring in Oregon's offensive coordinator, Will Stein, as their new head coach. This move signals a significant shift in the Wildcats' strategy. But who is Will Stein, and what can we expect? Let's dive in!
Stein is set to replace Mark Stoops, who, after a tenure that saw him become the winningest coach in Kentucky's history, was officially let go on Monday morning. This decision came just two days after a tough 41-0 loss to Louisville, marking a pivotal moment for the program.
Stein's background is particularly intriguing. He's been the offensive coordinator at Oregon for the past three seasons, where he's masterminded one of the nation's top offenses. He's worked with three different quarterbacks, including Dillon Gabriel last year, leading the team to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten title. This year, under Dante Moore, the Ducks are heading to the College Football Playoff with an impressive 11-1 record.
And this is where it gets interesting: Stein isn't just a talented coach; he's also a local. A Louisville native and former Louisville Cardinals quarterback, Stein grew up a huge Kentucky fan, attending many Wildcats games as a child because his father was a former Kentucky player. This connection adds a layer of personal investment to his new role.
Controversially, some might argue that the timing of the coaching change is a bit hasty, given Stoops' accomplishments. What do you think? Is this the right move for Kentucky? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This story was updated on December 2, 2025.
About the Author: Chris Vannini, who has been covering national college football issues and the coaching carousel for The Athletic since 2017, is the source of this information. He previously served as managing editor of CoachingSearch.com and was a co-winner of the FWAA's Beat Writer of the Year Award in 2018. You can follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisVannini.
