The University of Kentucky has officially appointed Will Stein as its new head football coach, following his successful tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks. The announcement came on Monday, marking a significant transition for the Wildcats as they seek to revitalize their football program.
In a statement, Stein expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I’m honored and excited to become the next head coach at Kentucky. 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. This is truly a dream come true.” He has signed a five-year contract with the university, according to sources.
Stein’s Background and Impact at Oregon
At just 36 years old, Stein has established himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football. His coaching career at Oregon has been marked by impressive accomplishments, including guiding the team to a top-10 scoring offense in two of his three seasons. Under his leadership, the Ducks finished the regular season with an 11-1 record and secured the sixth spot in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Prior to joining Oregon, Stein served on the offensive staff at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) from 2020 to 2022, where he was co-offensive coordinator in his final season. His work with notable quarterbacks such as Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, both of whom became Heisman Trophy finalists, has further solidified his reputation in the sport.
Stein will continue his role at Oregon and remain the playcaller during the team’s playoff run, demonstrating his commitment to finishing the season strong before transitioning to Kentucky.
Revitalizing the Wildcats’ Offense
Stein’s appointment comes after the Wildcats parted ways with longtime coach Mark Stoops, who led the program for 13 seasons. Stoops was dismissed following a disappointing 5-7 season; Kentucky has struggled offensively in recent years, failing to rank within the top 50 nationally since 2021. In 2025, the Wildcats averaged just 341 yards per game, placing them 105th in the nation.
The Wildcats are hopeful that Stein’s offensive acumen will address these challenges, particularly as he works with promising local quarterback Cutter Boley. Boley, a redshirt freshman, had a notable first season, throwing 15 touchdowns and is seen as a key player in the team’s future.
Stein’s background as a quarterback at Louisville, along with his experience in the West Coast offense, aligns well with the Wildcats’ aspirations. He is expected to bring a dynamic and adaptable offensive style that prioritizes both speed and flexibility, allowing quarterbacks significant freedom on the field.
“It’s hard to put a label on what we do [as an offense] because we kind of do it all,” Stein noted in a previous interview, reflecting his innovative approach to playcalling.
With Stein at the helm, Kentucky aims to rebuild its offensive strategy and return to competitiveness in the highly challenging landscape of college football. The Wildcats and their supporters eagerly anticipate the new chapter under their homegrown coach, who embodies both the spirit of the program and the hopes of its fans.
