LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the first time since the Joker Phillips era, Kentucky is looking for a new football coach. And the world has changed.
The best coaches today understand the world of revenue sharing, roster management and how to leverage those into not only acquiring the best talent they can get, but players who fit into the type of program — on the field and off — that they are trying to build.
Asked on Sunday how he built Indiana into a winner so quickly, Curt Cignetti began with four words: "People and a plan."
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
That's a hard balance to strike. Cignetti, who has become the gold standard of coaching hires in short order, showed up with a nucleus of players from James Madison, a coaching staff that had been together for a long time and a clear plan for what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it, one that had been demonstrated at multiple levels of the game.
Those coaches don't grow on trees, and Kentucky is late to the carousel. The ideal pick, Tulane coach John Sumrall, a former UK linebacker and assistant coach, has been hired at Florida.
The best candidates on the board may be talented young coordinators, but their interviews are all-important, as they will come in having not built their own programs and likely facing a learning curve. Energy and modern approaches could make up for that, but it's going to take more than play-calling to get Kentucky where it want to be.
Older, established coaches may bring more program-building experience but may not be as adept at roster management in the new college football economy.
As well, the pool is likely to shift quickly as coaches take jobs but leave openings elsewhere. Buckle up.
Below are the four candidates most mentioned for the Kentucky job in the early going, though the search is sure to stretch far beyond this trio. And one crazy idea that I'll throw in.
Will Stein, Oregon offensive coordinator
Age: 36 | Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
A former Louisville and Trinity High School quarterback who grew up a Kentucky fan — going to games with his family in Section 128 at then-Commonwealth Stadium — Stein is emerging as a serious candidate for the Wildcats' head coaching job. His parents, both UK alumni, gave him deep roots in the program: His father, Matt, played defensive end under Jerry Claiborne in the 1980s.
Despite not receiving a preferred walk-on offer from Kentucky, Stein found success at Louisville and later transitioned into coaching. After stints under Charlie Strong at Texas and a bold move to high school play-calling in 2018, Stein's rise has been swift. He coordinated UTSA's 2022 Conference USA title team before joining Oregon in 2023, where he now leads one of the nation's top offenses. The Ducks rank in the top 15 nationally in scoring, rushing and total offense, and have won back-to-back conference titles under Stein's guidance.
A respected play caller with a track record of quarterback development, Stein's offensive pedigree would address Kentucky's most glaring weakness in recent seasons. However, his Oregon playoff run could complicate the timeline for any potential hire.
Brian Hartline, Ohio State offensive coordinator
Age: 38 | Hometown: Canton, Ohio
A rising star in coaching circles, Hartline has built a national reputation as both an elite recruiter and a developer of top-tier wide receiver talent at Ohio State, his alma mater. A former NFL wideout and Buckeye standout, Hartline returned to Columbus in 2017 and was elevated to wide receivers coach in 2018. Since then, he's helped Ohio State produce the nation's most prolific receiver rooms and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023, taking over play-calling duties in 2025.
This season, Hartline has guided the No. 1 Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular season, leading a top-10 scoring offense powered by sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin, a top Heisman Trophy contender. Through 12 games, Ohio State ranks 10th nationally in scoring (37.9 ppg) and 25th in passing (270.1 ypg).
Though Hartline has only coached at Ohio State, he has a family tie to Kentucky — his brother Mike Hartline played quarterback at UK and is currently on the Wildcats' support staff. Long considered a top target during past coordinator searches, Hartline now surfaces as a potential head coach candidate — one who could elevate both Kentucky's offensive strategy and recruiting footprint.
Dan Mullen, UNLV head coach
Age: 53 | Hometown: Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
A proven offensive mind with deep SEC experience, Mullen has re-emerged as a hot coaching name after leading UNLV to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Mountain West title game in his first season back on the sideline after three seasons as an analyst for ESPN.
Best known for elevating Mississippi State from 2009–2017 — including a No. 1 AP ranking in 2014 and eight straight bowl appearances — Mullen went 69-46 in Starkville before taking over at Florida, where he posted a 34-15 record across four seasons, reached the SEC Championship Game, and won New Year's Six bowls in the Peach, Orange and Cotton.
Mullen's tenure at Florida ended amid shifting recruiting expectations, but in the NIL era, his offensive acumen and in-game acumen make him a strong candidate for a power-conference return. This season, UNLV ranks 15th nationally in scoring (36.7 ppg) and 16th in total offense, a testament to Mullen's ability to scheme success quickly, even at traditionally tough jobs.
Neal Brown, Texas special assistant to the head coach
Age: 45 | Hometown: Danville, Kentucky
A Kentucky native and former UK offensive coordinator, Brown brings head coaching experience at both the Group of Five and Power Four levels, along with deep ties to the commonwealth. After growing up in Danville and starting his playing career at Kentucky, Brown became the youngest offensive coordinator in FBS at Troy in 2008 and later returned to Lexington to run the offense under Stoops from 2013–14.
As a head coach, Brown went 35-16 at Troy, including three 10-win seasons and an upset of LSU in 2017, before moving to West Virginia, where he compiled a 37-35 record over six seasons, with four bowl appearances. He was let go after the 2024 season and currently serves as special assistant to Steve Sarkisian at Texas.
Known for his offensive background and steady leadership, Brown could offer Kentucky a homegrown option with head coaching polish and familiarity with the challenges of competing in a power conference. He's also viewed as a likely candidate for upcoming Group of Five openings if not hired into a Power Four role.
Completely outside the box candidate
Dabo Swinney, Clemson head coach
Age: 55 | Hometown: Pelham, Alabama
Yes, that Dabo. This suggestion is just a wild thought. It's not happening. But I've always thought there might be some synergy here. Swinney would instantly make the Wildcats a national story. After 16 seasons as Clemson's head coach — including two national championships (2016 and 2018) and six College Football Playoff appearances — Swinney's long run of dominance has cooled in recent years, with three consecutive four-loss seasons and public friction over NIL and the changing landscape of college football.
Still, few in the country bring a track record of sustained excellence, cultural clarity, and program-building like Swinney. His deep Christian faith and "graduate young men" ethos aligns closely with the values of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart, and a fresh start in the SEC could be mutually beneficial. Swinney has gone 187–52 at Clemson, becoming the winningest coach in ACC history, and was previously a national champion as a walk-on player at Alabama. He'd bring people, a plan — and instant credibility.
But, also, could bring a Bill Curry-type vibe. Again, just a thought.
This list is sure to grow. As it does, check WDRB.com for updates.
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