Will Stein named head coach at Kentucky, shares first message to BBN

Kentucky didn’t have much of a coaching search after firing Mark Stoops on Sunday, with Oregon OC Will Stein reported to be the Wildcats’ next head coach less than 24 hours later by Monday night. The university has since confirmed the hire, with him also now reintroducing himself to his Old Kentucky Home.

Last night, Kentucky announced Stein as the football program’s next head coach in a press release and announcements around UK. Stein then took to social media to speak to his fanbase in Big Blue Nation.

#BBN let’s go! https://t.co/zDdDYRVvcC

— Will Stein (@CoachWillStein) December 2, 2025

“#BBN let’s go!” Stein posted.

“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,” Stein said in the release. “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.”

The release also shared quotes from AD Mitch Barnhart and President Eli Capiluto. Both were as excited as the fanbase in bringing him, a native of the state, back to be the next head coach at Kentucky.

“Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football,” wrote 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.”

“Will Stein brings two invaluable qualities to the table as the next head coach of the UK football program,” wrote Capilouto. “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. 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.”

Stein quickly checked a lot of the boxes as a candidate, and now hire, for Kentucky. He’s very familiar with the program, with his parents being alumni and fans with season tickets, and the state, growing up and before playing college football in Louisville. His resumé, namely offensively, needs no introduction, as, since becoming a full-time offensive coordinator, his units have so far averaged 38.5 points and 477.5 yards of offense per game over the last four years at UTSA and Oregon, specifically the past three with the Ducks. Then, if nothing else after a more than respectable, thirteen-year tenure, it’s something fresh in Lexington, as Stein immediately becomes the youngest head coach by far, with much to learn in his first opportunity leading a program, in the SEC.

Stein still has a season to finish up in Eugene, as Oregon awaits to see where they’ll be seeded in the College Football Playoff. From there, though, he’ll be headed back to the bluegrass, as he takes over the program at Kentucky.