Dillon Gabriel credits Will Stein for his success as a quarterback

Kentucky football’s social media page posted a series of quotes on Wednesday from players, coaches and mentors of new head coach Will Stein. Each one described how the new UK football coach will lead the Wildcats to success during his tenure.

One of those names was former Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel, now with the Cleveland Browns, played under Stein for one season in Eugen. It appears the soon-to-be former Oregon offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach made a strong impact on his football success.

“I love Stein,” Gabriel said. “He has been a huge part of my success and what I’ve been able to achieve this far. We had a great time at Oregon together. I learned so much about football from him. From the X’s and O’s, how to be a quarterback, leadership, and most of all dialogue.

“The conversations he has with the quarterback and the relationships he develops allows you to be successful in everything you do on and off the field. I love him to death and he’s a friend for life.”

During Gabriel and Stein’s first and only season together, Gabriel left Eugene as a First Team All-American and Big Ten MVP in 2024 after throwing for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns. He led Oregon to a Big Ten championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff while appearing as a Heisman Trophy finalist in between.

Gabriel isn’t the only prominent Oregon alum to get Kentucky fans excited. Bo Nix, who played under Stein during his first season as Oregon’s OC, heaped similar praise to his former coach. Now in his second year as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Nix noted that he learned “countless” things under Stein that he can still apply to his game in the NFL.

Oregon went 25-3 during Stein’s first two seasons (Nix in 2023, Gabriel in 2024) as offensive coordinator. During that time the Ducks gained a reputation as one of the most high-powered, yet efficient offenses in the country. Gabriel and Nix combined for 75 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. Nix had a 45-3 touchdown-interception ratio.

Stein will coach Oregon through the College Football Playoff, which will be at home vs. No. 12-seed James Madison in the first round. If they win, the No. 5-seed Ducks will take on No. 4-seed Texas Tech in the Capital One Orange Bowl.