Reports: Kentucky hires Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as replacement for Mark Stoops

Kentucky is set to name Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as the next head coach, following the departure of Mark Stoops, according to sources. The Wildcats are close to finalizing an agreement with Stein, though the details of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

Stein, a former quarterback at Louisville, joined Oregon as the offensive coordinator before the 2023 season. This will be his first head coaching role in college football. Previously, he served as an assistant coach at UTSA, Texas, and Louisville.

Despite Oregon missing the Big Ten championship game, the Ducks finished with an 11-1 record and are positioned to secure a second consecutive College Football Playoff berth. Last season, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ohio State after entering the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. Stein is expected to continue calling plays for Oregon through the postseason while preparing for his new role at Kentucky.

Kentucky officially parted ways with Stoops on Monday after 13 seasons, concluding a tenure marked by recent struggles. The Wildcats finished the year with back-to-back heavy defeats, including a 41-0 loss to Louisville. Stoops is owed nearly $40 million in his buyout, potentially ranking among the largest payouts in college football history.

With Stein, a 36-year-old native of Kentucky, taking the helm, the program could see a revitalization. Known for orchestrating high-powered offenses at Oregon, Stein may quickly bring new energy to the Wildcats. How effectively he can translate his Oregon success to the SEC and elevate Kentucky to consistent competitiveness remains to be seen.

Author: Sophia Brooks