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Will Stein explains why he chose a Kentucky overhaul over Oregonâs playoff safety net
TL;DR
Will Stein chose to become the head football coach at Kentucky instead of staying at Oregon, despite the latter's strong roster and resources. He explained his decision as a personal homecoming and a chance to overhaul a struggling program.
LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 02: New Kentucky head football coach Will Stein is introduced in a game between the North Carolina Tarheels and the Kentucky Wildcats on December 2, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For most coaches, the path is pretty linear: stay at a powerhouse like Oregon as an OC, soak up the victories. Wait for the right âperfectâ moment and team to come along, and move when the safety net is strongest. But Will Stein isnât most coaches.
In a revealing interview with On3âs JD Pickell, Stein addressed why he decided to return home. I mean, after all, why leave a roster with Dante Moore and the resources of Eugene for a Kentucky program in need of a total DNA reset?
More than a homecoming
While Steinâs deep ties to Lexington are well-documented. His father, Matt, played for the Wildcats, and Will grew up in Section 128. He played high school and college in Louisville. The decision to jump was far more calculated than a simple emotional return to the place he was born and raised. Stein made it clear that he didnât take this job for a Hollywood-style reunion. He expects to win big here.
âI wouldnât have taken this if I didnât think I could win here,â Stein told Pickell. âI took Kentucky because I know what this place will be, not what it can be.â
And he is putting in the work. Kentucky just landed Jake Nawrot, the No. 2 quarterback in the 2027 class. He is hosting huge recruiting weekends, the likes we havenât seen. He has yet to reel in the big fish, but itâs clear he is fishing in a different pond.
Betting on the Bluegrass
Steinâs philosophy is rooted in a âbet on yourselfâ mentality. He acknowledged that staying at Oregon for five years was an option, but in the volatile world of college football, those windows can close as fast as they open. Instead of waiting for the âperfectâ future, Stein chose to dominate the present. He is taking the chance and putting in the work to showcase just how good he can get things rolling in Lexington.
He didnât just bring his play-calling to Lexington; he brought a cutthroat confidence that the SECâs top tier is attainable. By phasing out the green gear and âraiding his closetâ for his neighbors, Stein signaled a total commitment. He isnât just coaching at Kentucky; heâs betting his career that the Wildcats are the next great SEC power.
And I hope he is right.
Q&A
Why did Will Stein leave Oregon to coach at Kentucky?
Will Stein left Oregon to return home to Kentucky, seeking the opportunity to overhaul a struggling program rather than staying at a powerhouse.
What challenges does Kentucky's football program face under Will Stein?
Kentucky's football program is in need of a total DNA reset, which presents significant challenges for Will Stein as he takes on the head coaching role.
Who is Will Stein and what is his coaching background?
Will Stein is the new head football coach at Kentucky, previously serving as the offensive coordinator at Oregon, where he was part of a successful program.
