After 13 seasons at the helm, Mark Stoops and the University of Kentucky have officially gone their separate ways. Stoops exits as the longest-tenured coach in the SEC and the architect of a program transformation that turned Kentucky from a perennial underdog into a respected force in the league. Now, the Wildcats are looking for the right leader to take the next step-and they’re not wasting any time.
The coaching search is already in motion, and from early indications, three names are rising to the top of Kentucky’s shortlist. Each offers a different flavor of leadership, but all share a common thread: they’re built for today’s version of college football. Think NIL strategy, transfer portal savvy, and a collaborative approach to roster management-likely alongside a general manager-type figure, which is quickly becoming the norm across top-tier programs.
Let’s take a closer look at the three frontrunners who could be leading the Wildcats into their next chapter.
Will Stein: The Homegrown Innovator
Among the early candidates, Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein might be the most intriguing. At just 34 years old, he’s already made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in the game. His offense in Eugene has been a model of balance, explosiveness, and efficiency-a blend that’s become the gold standard for modern college football.
But this isn’t just about scheme. Stein’s Kentucky ties run deep.
He’s a Louisville native, played high school ball in the state, and went on to quarterback at the University of Louisville. His parents are UK alums, his father played for the Wildcats under Jerry Claiborne in the 1980s, and the family still holds season tickets to both football and basketball.
In short, he knows the Commonwealth, understands its football culture, and wouldn’t be walking into unfamiliar territory.
There’s also a growing belief that if Kentucky offers the job, Stein would accept. That kind of mutual interest matters, especially when time is of the essence. With the transfer portal open and early signing day approaching, having a coach who can hit the ground running is critical.
Stein checks a lot of boxes: he’s a quarterback developer, a play-caller, and someone who connects with the modern athlete. His energy and youth make him especially appealing in the transfer portal era, where relationships and offensive identity can be major recruiting tools. If Kentucky wants to lean into a fresh, offense-first identity, Stein is a name to watch closely.
Brian Hartline: The Star Recruiter with a Familiar Last Name
If Kentucky is looking for star power and recruiting firepower, Brian Hartline brings both. As Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Hartline has built a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country. His track record speaks for itself-he’s developed a steady stream of NFL-caliber receivers and built trust with players and families across the recruiting landscape.
There’s also a family connection that could give Kentucky an edge. Hartline’s brother, Mike, played quarterback for the Wildcats and is currently on staff in a support role. That tie has brought Brian to Lexington on multiple occasions, giving him a better understanding of the program than most outsiders might expect.
Hartline has been selective with his career moves, turning down opportunities in the past. But the chance to run his own program in the SEC?
That’s a different conversation. For Kentucky, he offers a compelling blend of recruiting prowess, player development, and offensive vision.
He’s not just a name-he’s a potential culture-setter who could bring high-level talent to Lexington right away.
Dan Mullen: The Proven SEC Builder
Then there’s Dan Mullen, the most experienced name on the list-and a coach who knows exactly what it takes to win in the SEC. His time at Mississippi State and Florida showed a clear blueprint: develop quarterbacks, build efficient offenses, and win games, even without the advantages of a blue-blood program.
Mullen doesn’t have personal ties to Kentucky, but he does have something just as valuable: a proven track record in the nation’s toughest conference. He took Mississippi State to No. 1 in the country at one point, a feat that still stands as one of the most impressive runs in recent SEC memory.
After stepping away from coaching to work in television, Mullen returned to the sidelines this season at UNLV-and wasted no time making an impact. He’s guided the Runnin’ Rebels to a 10-2 regular season and a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game. That kind of turnaround speaks volumes about his ability to lead and adapt.
If Kentucky decides to prioritize experience over upside, Mullen is the type of steady, proven leader who could stabilize the program and keep it competitive in a rapidly evolving SEC landscape.
Why These Three?
Each candidate brings something different to the table, but all three reflect the direction Kentucky appears to be heading. The program wants someone who can thrive in the modern college football ecosystem-where roster management, NIL, and the transfer portal are just as important as X’s and O’s.
- Stein offers innovation, energy, and deep Kentucky roots.
- Hartline brings elite recruiting chops and a personal connection to the program.
- Mullen delivers proven SEC success and a veteran presence.
With the transfer portal window open and the early signing period just weeks away, Kentucky won’t have the luxury of a drawn-out search. The foundation Stoops built is strong, but the next hire will determine how high this program can climb in the post-Stoops era.
The Wildcats are ready for their next chapter. Now it’s just a matter of who gets the pen.