In a move that weaves together deep family legacy, on-field success, and lifelong passion, the University of Kentucky has named Will Stein its next head football coach. The announcement, made Monday by UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart, brings the 36-year-old offensive mastermind back to the Commonwealth, where his roots in the program run as deep as the foundations of Kroger Field.
For Stein, a native Kentuckian and son of UK alumni, this isn’t just a new job—it’s a homecoming decades in the making. He grew up watching the Wildcats from section 128, row 13 of the stadium (then Commonwealth Stadium), inheriting a blue-and-white passion from his father, Matt (a former UK defensive end and member of the Kentucky K Club) and his mother, Debbie. Stein later competed on that field as a collegiate quarterback for rival UofL and returned as an assistant coach.
“Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football,” Barnhart said. “His deep connection to Kentucky, having grown up attending games in our stadium, gives him a unique passion for this program and this community.”
Stein returns from the University of Oregon, where he spent three seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, architecting some of the nation’s most potent attacks. His “Feed the Studs” philosophy produced balance, high scores, and Heisman Trophy finalists in consecutive years: Bo Nix (2023) and Dillon Gabriel (2024), both of whom have become NFL starters. Under his guidance, Oregon’s offense consistently ranked among the nation’s best, culminating in a 2024 College Football Playoff appearance as the No. 1 seed and an 11-1 record so far in 2025, with a CFP bid imminent.
“What sets Will apart is his proven ability to tailor his system to his players’ strengths,” said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. “He is an outstanding developer of young talent, and he has a deep and abiding passion for this place. He understands what this program means to our Commonwealth.”
Before his success at Oregon, Stein built a reputation as a rising star at UTSA, helping lead the Roadrunners to a 30-10 record over three seasons and a conference championship in 2022. His journey also includes coaching stops at Texas, Louisville, and even a purposeful stint in Texas high school football to gain play-calling experience.
“I’m honored and excited to become the next head coach at Kentucky,” Stein said. “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 is expected to coach Oregon in the upcoming College Football Playoff before fully transitioning to Lexington. He will be joined by his wife, Darby, and their two children, Joey and Demi, as they return to the home state where his family’s story—and now his own legacy—is forever intertwined with Kentucky football.
The Kentucky K Club is proud to celebrate the Stein family’s continued legacy with the Big Blue Nation.