Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein

Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein. Source: GoDucks.com

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky announced Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as its next head coach on Monday night, replacing Mark Stoops after 13 seasons.

Stein, 36, has served as Oregon’s offensive coordinator since 2023 and helped guide the Ducks to a Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff berth last season, leading one of the nation’s most explosive and balanced attacks.

Oregon ranks top-15 nationally in scoring, rushing, and total offense.

“Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football,” UK Director of Athletics Barnhart said in a news release. “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.”

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A former Trinity High School and University of Louisville quarterback, Stein has deep ties to the state — his parents are Kentucky alums, and he grew up attending games in Lexington. His father, Matt, was a player at Kentucky.

“I’m honored and excited to become the next head coach at Kentucky,” Stein said in a news release. “Growing up in Kentucky and sitting in the stands at UK games as a kid, I could only dream of one day leading the Wildcats. This is truly a dream come true. My goal is to lead with purpose and help young men grow on and off the field. I’m deeply thankful to President Capilouto, Mitch Barnhart, and Big Blue Nation for the trust they’ve placed in me. I also want to thank Coach Dan Lanning and the entire Oregon staff for their support and mentorship, they’ve been incredible. Now, I can’t wait to get started and make Kentucky proud.”

Prior to Oregon, Stein called plays at UTSA, helping lead the Roadrunners to a 2022 Conference USA title. He also spent time coaching at Texas powerhouse Lake Travis High School and began his coaching career under Charlie Strong at Texas.

Stein is tasked with reviving a Kentucky offense that struggled in recent seasons under Stoops and providing a jolt of innovation and quarterback development that has been lacking in recent years.

Kentucky parted ways with Stoops on Sunday after 13 seasons. He left as the program’s all-time wins leader with 82 career victories.

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