Lexington, Kentucky, December 2, 2025
Will Stein has been named the new head coach of Kentucky football, succeeding Mark Stoops after a 5-7 season. As a Louisville native and former offensive coordinator at Oregon, Stein is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strategic leadership to the Wildcats. His deep-rooted connection to Kentucky, paired with his coaching experience, positions him to make a significant impact as he aims to revitalize the program and connect with the passionate fanbase.
Will Stein Named New Head Coach of Kentucky Football
Exciting Future for Wildcats with Local Talent at the Helm
Lexington, Kentucky – December 2, 2025 – Will Stein, the offensive coordinator for the University of Oregon, has been appointed as the new head coach of the University of Kentucky football team. This significant decision comes on the heels of the dismissal of Mark Stoops, who held the position for 13 seasons. Stein, a native of Louisville, is poised to make an enduring impact in his home state.
Stein’s Background and Coaching Career
At just 36 years old, Stein has established a notable trajectory in college football coaching. Starting his career as a quarterback at the University of Louisville, he transitioned into coaching shortly after, serving as a graduate assistant before taking on various roles that allowed him to hone his skills. His journey includes positions at the University of Texas, Lake Travis High School, and most recently, the University of Oregon, where he excelled as the offensive coordinator. Stein’s strategic offensive leadership at Oregon has put him on the national map, especially after guiding the Ducks to an 11-1 record and a top-five ranking during the 2025 regular season.
Emotional Homecoming to Kentucky
Stein’s return to the University of Kentucky carries immense personal significance. His childhood memories of attending Wildcats games, often seated with his family in the stadium, highlight his deep-rooted connection to the university. Following his appointment, Stein expressed profound excitement about leading the program he once dreamed of being part of. His familial ties further cement this transition, as his father played for Kentucky in the 1980s. This blend of personal passion and professional expertise sets a promising foundation for Stein’s leadership.
The Transition from Mark Stoops to Will Stein
The hiring of Stein marks a pivotal shift for a program that had become accustomed to Stoops’ long tenure. Following a 5-7 season, Stoops, the Southeastern Conference’s longest-serving coach, was released from his duties. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart emphasized the importance of Stein’s proven record in developing elite quarterbacks and overseeing dynamic offensive units. The confidence in Stein’s leadership reflects a desire for revitalization within the Wildcats’ program, with the hopes of steering the team towards future successes.
Potential Impact on Kentucky Football
Stein’s prior success at Oregon and UTSA offers a wealth of experience that could signal a new era for Kentucky football. His ability to maximize offensive potential and effectively develop quarterbacks will be essential as he rebuilds and refines the Wildcats’ strategy. Expectations for immediate gains in performance and results are high, particularly in light of Stein’s local ties and understanding of the Kentucky fanbase.
Conclusion
As football enthusiasts await the next chapter in Kentucky’s athletic saga, Will Stein’s appointment projects an optimistic vision for the future of Wildcats football. His local background and demonstrated success in coaching suggest that Stein may well be the catalyst needed to guide the program towards renewed excellence. Fans and local supporters are encouraged to rally around the team as they embark on this transformative journey, contributing to Kentucky’s vibrant sports culture.
FAQ
Who is Will Stein?
Will Stein is a 36-year-old football coach from Louisville, Kentucky. He has served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon for the past three seasons, leading one of the nation’s top offenses. Prior to his tenure at Oregon, Stein held coaching positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Lake Travis High School in Texas, and the University of Texas. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Louisville, where he also played quarterback from 2008 to 2012.
What is Stein’s coaching background?
Stein’s coaching career includes roles as a graduate assistant and quality control coach at the University of Louisville, a quality control coach and quarterbacks coach at the University of Texas, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Lake Travis High School, passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at UTSA, and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon. Under his leadership, Oregon’s offense consistently ranked among the top in the nation, with the Ducks finishing the 2025 regular season with an 11-1 record and a top-five ranking in the College Football Playoff standings.
What is Stein’s connection to Kentucky?
Stein is a Louisville native and has strong ties to Kentucky. He grew up attending Wildcats games, with his family seated in section 128, row 13, at the stadium now known as Kroger Field. His father, Matt Stein, played defensive end for Kentucky under coach Jerry Claiborne in the 1980s. Stein expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Kentucky, stating, “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.”
What led to the hiring of Stein?
The hiring of Stein follows the recent dismissal of Mark Stoops, who was the Southeastern Conference’s longest-tenured coach with 13 seasons at Kentucky. Stoops was relieved of his duties after the Wildcats concluded the 2025 season with a 5-7 record. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart emphasized Stein’s qualifications, stating, “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 also highlighted Stein’s deep connection to Kentucky, noting his upbringing attending Wildcats games and his family’s ties to the university.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Head Coach | Will Stein appointed as Kentucky’s head football coach |
| Previous Role | Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon |
| Coaching Career Highlights | Coached at UTSA, Lake Travis High School, and the University of Texas; led Oregon’s offense to top national rankings |
| Connection to Kentucky | Louisville native; father played defensive end for Kentucky in the 1980s |
| Stein’s Statement | Expressed honor and excitement to lead the Wildcats; emphasized deep connection to Kentucky |
| Previous Head Coach | Mark Stoops dismissed after 13 seasons; Kentucky finished 2025 season with a 5-7 record |
Now Happening on X
- @News4SA (December 1, 2025, 9:01 AM) A SWAT standoff on the West Side over the weekend stemmed from a search for lost pets. View on X
- @ExpressNews (December 2, 2025, 12:15 AM) A man threatening to open fire on the River Walk was arrested, San Antonio ranks top nationally for first-time homebuyers, and December starts chilly. View on X
- @BexarBrief (December 1, 2025, 3:02 AM) Police are on scene with an armed suspect barricaded inside a San Antonio home. View on X
- @KENS5 (December 1, 2025, 1:00 AM) A San Antonio man was arrested after threatening to kill his roommate, leading to a nearly seven-hour standoff on the west side. View on X
- @BexarBrief (December 1, 2025, 1:10 AM) The barricaded suspect in a San Antonio home surrendered after nearly seven hours with police. View on X
- @ExpressNews (November 30, 2025, 2:00 PM) A 22-year-old man was arrested and faces a murder charge following a fatal shooting in San Antonio. View on X
- @KENS5 (November 27, 2025, 9:45 PM) A man is in critical condition after a shooting west of downtown San Antonio, stemming from a dispute between two groups. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Bulldogs Surge to No. 3 in Latest College Football Rankings
Lost Season for Kentucky Wildcats: A Disappointing Journey through SEC Struggles
Exciting College Football Drama Unfolds in Toledo
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
