Ryan Black, Louisville Courier JournalTue, December 2, 2025 at 4:15 AM UTC·3 min readLEXINGTON — Kentucky football has a new man in charge of its program.
Will Stein, a Kentucky native, was officially named the Wildcats' new coach late Monday, hours after reports began surfacing he had accepted the job. He takes over for Mark Stoops, who was fired Monday morning after 13 seasons at the helm. At the time of his dismissal, Stoops had been the SEC's longest-tenured active coach. He doubled as longest-tenured coach in UK's history, setting the program's mark for wins along the way.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNow, he gives way to the 36-year-old Stein, who returns to the Bluegrass State for his first head-coaching job after spending the past three seasons as Oregon's offensive coordinator.
"I'm honored and excited to become the next head coach at Kentucky," Stein said in a statement. "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. ... Now, I can’t wait to get started and make Kentucky proud.”
UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart is equally eager for Stein's tenure to begin.
"Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football," Barnhart said. “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."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKentucky President Eli Capilouto noted Stein "brings two invaluable qualities to the table" as the Wildcats' newest coach.
"He is an outstanding developer and coach of young talent, something he has proven repeatedly in his career already as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at an elite level. And he has a deep and abiding passion for this place. It runs deep with him and his family," Capilouto said. "He understands the Big Blue Nation, this university and what this team and program mean to our Commonwealth.
"We are looking forward to welcoming Will and his family back home and we can’t wait to support them as they further elevate our program in a way that makes Kentucky proud."
Under Stein's guidance, the Ducks' offense has ranked among the nation's best.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey finished second in the FBS in scoring offense and total offense in 2023, then ended in the top 25 in those statistical departments last season. Entering this weekend, Oregon is averaging 38.2 points (No. 9 in the country) and 465.2 yards (13th nationally) per game.
"I ... want to thank coach Dan Lanning and the entire Oregon staff for their support and mentorship," Stein said. "They’ve been incredible."
Prior to joining Oregon, Stein had stints at Texas-San Antonio (2020-22), Lake Travis High School (2018-19) and Texas (2015-17).
Stein's coaching career began at Louisville, his alma mater, in 2013. He was a UofL quarterback from 2008 to 2013. Stein graduated from Trinity High School.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementReach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Will Stein of Oregon to Kentucky football as Mark Stoops successor
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