Kentucky Coaching Search Heats Up with Will Stein Emerging as a Key Name
With Mark Stoops officially out as Kentucky’s head football coach, the Wildcats are now staring down one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. And as the coaching carousel starts to spin, one name is already gaining traction: Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein.
Stein, just 36 years old, has quietly built an impressive résumé out west. Over the last three seasons at Oregon, he’s served as both the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach Dan Lanning.
In that time, the Ducks have posted a 26-4 record and currently sit 10th nationally in total offense, averaging 461.5 yards per game. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed-especially when you pair it with Stein’s deep ties to the Bluegrass State.
A Louisville native and former quarterback at the University of Louisville (2008-12), Stein grew up cheering for Kentucky. He played in 25 games for the Cardinals, throwing for over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns.
His coaching journey began shortly after, starting as a graduate assistant in 2013 before climbing the ladder with stops at Texas, Lake Travis High School in Texas (a powerhouse in its own right), and UTSA, where he served as co-offensive coordinator. That path eventually led him to Oregon, where he’s helped engineer one of the most dynamic offenses in college football.
What makes Stein especially intriguing for Kentucky isn’t just his track record on the field-it’s his connection to the state and its football culture. He understands the rivalry, the pride, and what it means to wear blue in the Commonwealth. That kind of familiarity is rare and valuable, especially in a program looking to maintain its footing in a hyper-competitive SEC landscape.
Even recruits are taking notice. Four-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski, a 2026 Kentucky commit, recently spoke about Stein’s potential fit.
“I have a great relationship with Coach Stein,” Ponatoski said. “I don’t really know who the candidates are, but I know Coach Stein has a connection to Kentucky and Louisville and that would be cool.”
That kind of endorsement from a top recruit speaks volumes. In today’s college football world, where player movement is more fluid than ever and recruiting never stops, a coach who can relate to both the program and the players is a major asset.
Kentucky’s decision-makers won’t have the luxury of time. With the early signing period approaching and the transfer portal wide open, the Wildcats will need to move quickly.
Stein’s name is likely to remain front and center in this search-and for good reason. He checks a lot of boxes: young, innovative, proven, and deeply rooted in the region.
Whether or not he ultimately lands the job, one thing is clear: Will Stein is a name to watch as Kentucky embarks on its next chapter.