Will Stein to Kentucky: A Bold Move with Big Upside
Kentucky football is turning the page - and it’s doing so with a bold, forward-thinking hire. Will Stein, the 34-year-old offensive coordinator from Oregon, is officially taking over in Lexington following the departure of Mark Stoops after 13 seasons. It’s a move that signals a new direction for the Wildcats: one that leans into offensive innovation, quarterback development, and a fresh approach to building a program in the modern college football landscape.
Now, let’s be clear - Stein isn’t walking in with a résumé packed with head coaching experience. In fact, he has none.
But that hasn’t stopped some of the sport’s elite programs from finding success with similar hires. Just look at Kirby Smart and Ryan Day.
Both were first-time head coaches when they took over at Georgia and Ohio State, respectively. Fast forward to today, and Smart owns two national titles with a 116-20 record, while Day is 82-10 and has Ohio State undefeated and in the thick of the title hunt again.
The blueprint is there - and Kentucky’s hoping Stein can follow it.
Why Stein Makes Sense for Kentucky
Let’s start with the fit. Stein knows the region.
He played quarterback at Louisville and later coached there as an assistant, so he’s no stranger to the Kentucky football landscape. That local connection matters - not just for recruiting, but for understanding the culture and expectations in a state where basketball often dominates the headlines, but football has been quietly building momentum.
Stein’s coaching journey has taken him through Texas, where he served on staff at UTSA and later at the University of Texas, giving him a taste of both Group of Five and Power Five football. Most recently, he’s been the architect of Oregon’s high-powered offense, and his fingerprints are all over the Ducks’ recent success on that side of the ball.
What stands out about Stein’s offenses is their balance. He’s not just dialing up deep shots or leaning on the run - he’s doing both, and doing them well.
His playcalling consistently shows an understanding of situational football, a knack for rhythm, and an ability to adapt. That’s something Kentucky sorely lacked under Stoops, whose defenses were often solid but whose offenses rarely struck fear into opponents.
Just this past season, the Wildcats ranked 105th in total offense - a number that simply won’t cut it in the SEC.
Quarterback Whisperer?
One of the most exciting aspects of the Stein hire is what it could mean for quarterback development. During his time at Oregon, Stein played a key role in helping Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel elevate their games after transferring in.
Both ended up as NFL Draft picks. And this season, Donte Moore has shown real growth under Stein’s guidance - another sign of his ability to develop talent at the most important position on the field.
That’s an area where Kentucky has struggled for years. Even when the Wildcats had NFL-caliber talent at other positions, quarterback play often held them back. If Stein can bring some of that Oregon magic to Lexington, it could be a game-changer.
The Big Question: Can He Handle the Head Job?
Of course, there’s always risk when hiring a first-time head coach. Running an offense is one thing.
Running a program is another beast entirely. NIL, the transfer portal, recruiting, staffing - it’s a 24/7 job now, and the margin for error is razor-thin in the SEC.
But Stein isn’t walking in blind. He’s been around high-level programs, and his rise through the coaching ranks suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
If you’re looking for a recent comparison, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham is a good one. Like Stein, Dillingham was Oregon’s offensive coordinator before getting his first head coaching shot.
And just last year, he led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance. That’s the kind of trajectory Kentucky is hoping to replicate.
Patience Will Be Key
One thing working in Stein’s favor? Kentucky has shown it can be patient.
Mark Stoops didn’t build a consistent winner overnight. It took time, and the administration stuck with him through some lean years.
That same approach will be crucial with Stein. There will be growing pains - that’s almost a given - but if Kentucky is committed to giving him time and resources, there’s reason to believe this could work.
Final Take
This is a swing for upside, and it’s a smart one. Kentucky needed to shake things up offensively, and Stein brings a modern, adaptable approach that could finally unlock the potential of a program that’s been stuck in neutral on that side of the ball. He knows the region, he’s proven he can develop quarterbacks, and his offenses have been among the most efficient in the country.
There are no guarantees in college football - especially in the SEC - but Will Stein has the tools to make this work. If Kentucky gives him the runway, this could be the start of something special.
Grade: B+
A strong hire with real upside. The lack of head coaching experience is a fair concern, but the offensive pedigree and regional ties make this a move worth betting on.