Will Stein explains why he will not call plays at Kentucky

Will Stein is Kentucky’s new head football coach because of the success that he has had as an offensive coordinator at UTSA and Oregon. The 36-year-old has quickly become one of the best play callers in college football. The data speaks for itself.

Stein has tutored multiple big-time NFL quarterbacks, produced 1,000-yard rushers, played a key role on multiple conference title teams, and coached in the College Football Playoff. Some of the numbers have been ridiculous.

Will Stein's quickie stat profile as an offensive coordinator. The program ties and QB development are obvious but this is why he was hired. pic.twitter.com/ewXYhqQR5N

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) December 2, 2025

Many assumed that the play calling process wouldn’t stop when Will Stein takes over the Kentucky football program. The new head football coach in the Bluegrass has dropped on “not so fast, my friend” on the Big Blue Nation. In a sit down interview with BBN Tonight’s Keith Farmer, Stein opened up on what the play calling process will be for UK in 2026.

Stein will not call plays.

“I do believe I’m one of the best play callers in the country, and I know why I’m in this position. But I don’t want to be a great play caller. I want to be a great head coach,” Stein explained. “And when you think about the guys who won national championships, recently, and old, it’s guys who are great head coaches.”

“I’m going to be heavily involved in the offense every step of the way, but just because I’m not reading off into the mic to our quarterback doesn’t mean that I’m not meticulous about what plays are being called and when it’s being called.”

Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), and Ryan Day (Ohio State) all led teams expected to participate in this year’s College Football Playoff. Each has an offensive background with a history coaching quarterbacks. Only Cignetti never called plays before becoming a head coach. None of them serve as a primary play-caller in 2025. Elsewhere, Kenny Dillingham immediately gave up play-calling at Arizona State. He led his alma mater to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth in year two. For years, many defensive head coaches decide to give up play-calling once becoming a head coach. Offensive coaches now seem to be following that blueprint. It has worked well for Dan Lanning at Oregon. Stein will be doing something similar Kentucky.

We should expect the game plan and play-calling process to be very collaborative with Will Stein being highly involved. But it’s clear now that the new UK coach believes he needs to be involved in other areas and not consumed with everything that comes with calling plays on game days. The goal is be a successful CEO and strong leader over everything else for the Kentucky football program.

“I want to be a great head coach,” Stein said.