Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein is reportedly finalizing terms to become the next head coach at Kentucky.,Stein will continue to call plays for Oregon during the College Football Playoff.Oregon’s offensive coordinator, Will Stein, is reportedly finalizing terms to become the next head coach at the University of Kentucky. Stein, who has served as Oregon’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, is expected to join Kentucky, his alma mater, in the upcoming coaching role.
Yahoo first reported the impending deal. Stein is currently earning $1.75 million this season and his buyout has been waived as he is taking an FBS head coaching position. According to ESPN, Stein will remain with Oregon and continue to call plays throughout the College Football Playoff.
Under Stein’s leadership, Oregon’s offense has been among the nation’s best for the past three seasons. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2023. This season, the Ducks rank ninth nationally in scoring, 13th in total offense, 14th in rushing, and 50th in passing yards, while holding the 7th spot in passing efficiency. Quarterback Dante Moore has completed 72.5% of his passes for 2,733 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. The Ducks are also rushing for their most yards since 2017.
Notable achievements for Oregon quarterbacks under Stein include Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel both being Heisman Trophy finalists. Nix set the NCAA single-season completion percentage record in 2023, and Gabriel broke the NCAA career touchdowns record in 2024.
Before his tenure at Oregon, Stein spent three seasons at UTSA. Initially serving as wide receivers coach, he later moved to quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator. In 2022, with Stein calling plays, UTSA’s offense ranked in the top 20 nationally in several categories, including pass efficiency, third-down offense, total offense, scoring, passing, and red zone efficiency.
Stein’s coaching career also includes time at Lake Travis High School (2018-19), Texas (2015-17), and Louisville (2013-14), where he played quarterback.
Stein is set to replace Mark Stoops at Kentucky. He becomes the second offensive coordinator under Dan Lanning at Oregon to secure a head coaching position at a Power Four program, following Kenny Dillingham, who is now the head coach at Arizona State.
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