When you're running one of the hottest programs in college football, success comes at a price-and for Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, that price might be his top lieutenants.
The Ducks have been a model of consistency at the coordinator level in recent seasons, but as 2025 winds down, the winds of change are picking up in Eugene. Both offensive coordinator Will Stein and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi are drawing serious interest from programs looking to make a splash with their next head coach. And the latest coaching shakeup in the SEC could accelerate that timeline.
On Sunday night, the Kentucky Wildcats announced they’re moving on from Mark Stoops, opening up one of the more intriguing jobs in the SEC. That’s where things get interesting for Oregon fans. Will Stein, who was raised in Kentucky and played quarterback at Louisville, is now firmly in the mix as a top candidate for the Wildcats’ vacancy.
Stein’s rise through the coaching ranks has been fast-and deserved. Since arriving in Eugene, he’s turned Oregon’s offense into one of the most dynamic units in the country.
He’s earned a reputation not just as a brilliant play-caller, but as a quarterback developer with a golden touch. Under his guidance, Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel each earned trips to New York as Heisman finalists in back-to-back seasons.
And if things stay on track, Dante Moore could make it three in a row in 2025.
That kind of résumé doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by programs looking to reboot their identity with a fresh, offensive-minded leader. If Stein does decide to return home and take the reins at Kentucky, Oregon will have a big decision to make at offensive coordinator.
There’s already some buzz around RaShaad Samples, Oregon’s running backs coach and co-offensive coordinator. Samples is highly regarded within the program and has been instrumental in the Ducks’ offensive success.
Promoting from within would offer continuity, especially for a team with championship aspirations. But make no mistake-this is a premier job in college football, and Lanning will have no shortage of options if Stein moves on.
For now, it’s a waiting game in Eugene. But as the coaching carousel picks up speed, Oregon fans should buckle up. The Ducks are winning big-and that means other programs are watching closely, ready to pluck pieces from Lanning’s carefully built machine.