Kentucky hires Oregon OC Will Stein as new head coach

USA TODAY NETWORK

By Chris Marler

One of the hottest young names in the college coaching carousel is off the board. Kentucky hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as their new head coach.

Stein, 36, returns to his home state to replace Mark Stoops who was previously in charge for 13 seasons. Stein grew up in Kentucky, and his father was a former player for the Wildcats. His family even had season tickets to games when growing up.

It’s Stein Time in the Bluegrass. 😼@CoachWillStein is our new head coach!

📰🔗 https://t.co/6KpdO8XStJ pic.twitter.com/5Jbi1KEfLB

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 2, 2025

While young, his resumé has been outstanding in his three years at Oregon. He’s led the Ducks to three straight top 20 scoring offenses, including two that ranked in the top ten. He also mentored two Heisman finalists at QB as the Quarterbacks coach with Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel.

“Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football,” said Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart. “His deep connection to Kentucky, having grown up attending games in our stadium, gives him a unique passion for this program and this community. We are thrilled to have him leading the Wildcats onto the field next fall, and I know Big Blue Nation will join me in giving a warm welcome to Will, his wife Darby and their children, Joey and Demi.”