Will Stein on Kentucky: 'Why even show up if you're not trying to win it all'

Will Stein was introduced as the next head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats on Wednesday, ushering in a new era for the football program in Lexington. Stein, 36, comes to the program with a strong reputation as the offensive coordinator at Oregon.

Stein joined Paul Finebaum on the SEC Network Thursday to discuss his plan moving forward as head coach of the Wildcats. Finebaum asked him what’s next for Kentucky under his leadership, where he laid out his initial plan for success.

“My job is to win, and my job is not just to compete in this Southeastern Conference, but to win,” Stein told Finebaum. “I mean, why even show up if you’re not trying to win at all? Winning is hard. It’s an investment, rents due every day. These guys are eager to be coached. They’re eager to win.

“But it’s one thing just to want to do it. It takes work. It takes a sacrifice every single day, waking up with your hair on fire, going to sleep, thinking about it, and doing everything in your power to work.”

Stein has undoubtedly taken some inspiration from his current boss, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, during that message. The no-nonsense, hard-nosed, no excuses head coach hired Stein ahead of the 2023 season and it has resulted in nothing but success for Oregon during that span. Stein will hope a similar result takes plan in Lexington.

“Work doesn’t equal wins. It just gives you a great chance to, and these guys want to work.” Stein said. “I’m here to get going and bring wins back to this football program.”

The offensive-minded head coach is already at work hiring his initial staff at Kentucky. Reports that former LSU OC/QB coach Joe Sloan will join Stein at UK have made the rounds, and Stein alluded to having a defensive coordinator in mind already as well. Stein also said that he plans to hire a general manager, something Kentucky didn’t have in an official capacity under former head coach Mark Stoops.

Stein will be leaving an Oregon program with national championship aspirations to coach a Kentucky team that has finished toward the bottom of the SEC in each of the last two seasons. He has a long road ahead, but it appears that Stein is willing to do the work. Only time will tell if that effort translates during each Saturday next fall.