Kentucky has hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as its next head coach, according to multiple reports.
The Wildcats moved quickly to replace Mark Stoops less than 24 hours after ending his 13-year tenure in Lexington.
Stein brings deep ties to the Bluegrass State. His father, Matt Stein, played defense for Jerry Claiborne at Kentucky, and both his parents are UK alums, according to On3. Stein grew up attending Wildcats games before building one of the nation’s most respected offensive resumes.
His coaching stops include Texas, UTSA and Oregon.
Across the last three seasons in Eugene, Stein helped develop quarterbacks Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore. He’s guided an Oregon offense that ranks ninth nationally in scoring at 38.2 points per game and 13th in total offense at 465.2 yards.
Quarterback play has been a persistent issue for Kentucky. Stein is expected to address that immediately.
Stein describes his system as a pro-style attack built on spread principles, RPOs and explosive downfield passing.
“Plays are highly overrated. It’s about the players.”
Stoops brought the program two 10-win seasons during his tenure. But Saturday’s 41-0 rivalry loss at Louisville defined the end of his 72-80 record.
The Ducks missed out on the Big Ten championship game but still posted an 11-1 record. They’re set to earn a berth to the College Football Playoff for a second straight season.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Stein is expected to stay with the Ducks throughout the postseason.
