Will Stein isn’t easing into his new role at Kentucky - he’s charging in with purpose, energy, and a clear vision for what the Wildcats can become. The former Oregon offensive coordinator has taken the reins in Lexington after the departure of longtime head coach Mark Stoops, and while Stoops brought stability and a defensive identity to the program, Stein is here to inject a fresh, offensive-minded approach - and he’s not shying away from expectations.
Speaking recently on Andy & Ari On3, Stein was candid about the work ahead. “Potential is everything that you're not.
It's everything that you can be,” he said. That’s a coach who understands that hype means nothing without the grind.
“We still have a lot of work ahead. We are really in phase one of our offseason.
Our guys are working their asses off in the weight room, running. We're going to start some winter walkthroughs coming up and lead into spring ball.
We're nowhere where we need to be.”
That’s the kind of honesty that resonates. No sugarcoating.
No false bravado. Just a coach who’s rolling up his sleeves and demanding the same from his players.
But make no mistake - Stein is also bringing belief. When asked about his mindset, he didn’t hesitate: “I've never called a play that I didn't think would score a touchdown.
I'm that type of guy. I'm a glass half-full guy.”
That confidence isn’t arrogance - it’s conviction. And it’s the kind of conviction that could be a game-changer for a Kentucky program looking to evolve in a rapidly shifting SEC landscape.
“Why not us?” Stein asked.
It wasn’t rhetorical. It was a challenge - to his players, to the staff, to the fans - to buy in, to dream big, and to go after it with everything they’ve got.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about slogans or soundbites. Stein’s résumé speaks for itself.
At Oregon, he helped orchestrate one of the most explosive offenses in the country. His ability to scheme, adapt, and maximize talent was evident, and it’s exactly what Kentucky has been missing.
Under Stoops, the Wildcats were known for their physicality and defensive grit, but offensive consistency - outside of a few standout seasons - was often elusive. Stein is here to change that.
The hire came during one of the more intriguing coaching cycles in recent SEC memory. Kentucky had options, including former Tulane and Troy head coach Jon Sumrall, a UK alum who ultimately landed at Florida. But in bringing in Stein - and in the process, nudging Brian Hartline toward South Florida - Kentucky made a bold move that signaled a shift in identity.
Yes, Stein grew up in Louisville and played quarterback there, but don’t let the past fool you - this is a coach fully committed to building something special in Lexington. He knows the region.
He knows the expectations. And more importantly, he knows offense.
What stands out most in his early days at Kentucky is how direct he is. There’s no coach-speak, no dancing around the realities of what needs to be done. He’s focused on building a team with an edge - one that’s not just hoping to compete in the SEC, but aiming to disrupt it.
It’s a tall order, no doubt. The SEC is as deep and unforgiving as ever. But in a world where the College Football Playoff picture is expanding and programs once considered longshots are making noise on the national stage, Stein’s message hits home: Why not Kentucky?
If he can translate his offensive vision into results on the field - and if the Wildcats can match his energy in the weight room, in the film room, and come spring ball - Kentucky might not just be rebuilding. They could be rebranding.
And that’s a storyline worth watching.