When Will Stein was introduced as the new head coach of Kentucky football, he didn’t just talk about building a winner-he talked about building a family. And now, just weeks into the job, he’s already backing that up in a way that goes beyond the usual lip service.
Stein made headlines during the Super Bowl with a bold, heartfelt commercial that paid tribute to Kentucky legends like Randall Cobb and Benny Snell Jr.-a clear signal that he’s not here to forget the past. He’s here to embrace it.
But he’s not stopping at name-drops or nostalgic shoutouts. He’s doing the real work of reconnecting the program with its roots.
A Dinner That Meant More Than a Meal
According to a report from Larry Vaught, Stein recently hosted a dinner for more than 125 former Kentucky players. That’s not a typo-over a hundred former Wildcats, all under one roof.
It wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. It was a statement.
Former defensive lineman Jeremy Jarmon introduced Stein, who gave a brief speech to the group. But the real impact came afterward.
Instead of exiting stage left after delivering a few polished talking points, Stein and his entire coaching staff stayed. They walked the room, shook hands, shared stories, and listened.
They connected.
In coaching, especially at the college level, culture matters. And culture doesn’t come from slogans on locker room walls-it comes from actions like this.
When a new head coach takes the time to personally engage with the players who laid the foundation for the program, it sends a message: *You matter. You’re still part of this.
Stein didn’t just leave the moment in the room, either. He shared the story on social media with a simple but powerful caption:
**“Players program #BBN.” **
That’s more than a hashtag. It’s a mission statement.
Laying the Foundation the Right Way
For a first-time head coach, these early moves are critical. And Stein is already showing he gets it. He understands that success on Saturdays starts with trust-trust from the fanbase, from current players, and from the alumni who know what it means to wear the blue and white.
This kind of effort doesn’t show up in the box score. But make no mistake-it matters.
Programs that win consistently are the ones that build a strong internal culture. That means respecting the past, engaging the present, and inspiring the future.
If you’re a Kentucky fan, this is the kind of energy that should get you fired up. Because when a coach takes the time to do the little things right-like sitting down with former players instead of just putting them in highlight reels-it usually means he’s going to do the big things right, too.
Will Stein is making it clear: Kentucky football isn’t just about the next game. It’s about building something lasting. Something rooted in tradition, driven by relationships, and powered by belief.
And if this is just the beginning, the Big Blue Nation might be in for something special.