Kentucky football hires Will Stein as next head coach

A Louisville native, Stein starred at Trinity High School, where he won three straight state titles, before playing quarterback for the Louisville Cardinals from 2008-2012. After his playing days ended, he launched a fast-rising coaching career, beginning as a graduate assistant and position coach at Louisville before moving to Texas as a quality-control assistant. He later made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator at Lake Travis High School, a role that propelled him back into the college ranks at UTSA. There, he rose to co-offensive coordinator and helped engineer one of the nation’s most explosive offenses in 2022. His momentum continued at Oregon, where he quickly earned recognition as one of college football’s brightest young offensive minds.

Stein doesn’t just have a connection to Louisville, he actually grew up a Kentucky fan. Stein’s father, Matt Stein, played defensive end at Kentucky in the 1980s under legendary coach Jerry Claiborne.

Stein said in a statement to UK Athletics: “I’m honored and excited to become the next head coach at Kentucky. 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.”