Can Kentucky football succeed under the leadership of Will Stein? Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of the new coach

LEXINGTON Kentucky football is stepping into a fresh chapter as Will Stein takes over as head coach, succeeding the program's longest-tenured leader. The former coach spent 13 years at the helm, setting nearly every record in school history, from total wins to bowl appearances. Yet, the teams performance waned in recent seasons. In 2024, Kentuckys eight-year streak of bowl appearances ended with a 4-8 overall record (1-7 SEC). While the 2025 season saw a slight improvement to 5-6 overall (2-6 SEC), it was still not enough to reach postseason play.

The Wildcats finished their 2025 campaign on a sour note, being outscored in the final two games against Vanderbilt and Louisville by a combined 85-17. With Stein now in charge, Kentucky hopes to return to consistent bowl eligibility, while fans dream of competing for College Football Playoff contention, similar to recent success seen by programs like Indiana and Vanderbilt.

Pros of Hiring Will Stein

Pro: Offensive Expertise and QB Development

Stein served as Oregons offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where his offenses thrived. Under his guidance, the Ducks ranked among the top in the nation for scoring and total offense in 2023 and remained highly productive in 2024 and 2025, averaging 38.2 points and 465.2 yards per game this season. He has developed quarterbacks into NFL prospects, including Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix, and current starter Dante Moore is already being considered a top NFL prospect for 2026.

For Kentucky, this could mean substantial growth for players like third-year sophomore Cutter Boley, who could flourish under Steins tutelage.

Pro: Genuine Passion for Kentucky

Stein has deep ties to the program, attending games with his family and growing up as a Wildcats fan. His dedication to the university suggests he is likely to commit long-term, unlike coaches who treat college positions as stepping stones. This personal connection may help him establish a lasting culture and identity for Kentucky football.

Cons of Hiring Will Stein

Con: Lack of Head Coaching Experience

Stein has never been a head coach at any level, a stark contrast to his predecessor who, although also new to head coaching, brought more experience and exposure to championship-level programs. At 36, Stein is younger and less seasoned than his predecessor was at the time of hiring. Success will depend on his ability to assemble a strong coaching staff that can translate his ideas into wins.

Con: Recruiting Skills Still Developing

While Stein is a competent recruiter, he has not yet demonstrated elite recruiting abilities. High school talent acquisition is less dominant in the transfer era, but securing top prospects remains crucial. Steins recruiting record lags behind other candidates like Ohio States Brian Hartline, who has signed multiple five-star receivers. Building a strong recruiting team, possibly with an assistant who excels at attracting top talent, will be key to his success.

Steins arrival signals both hope and uncertainty for Kentucky fans. His offensive acumen and love for the program offer promise, but his lack of head coaching experience and developing recruiting skills present challenges. The Wildcats now embark on a new journey, hoping Stein can elevate them back to postseason relevance and beyond.

Author: Sophia Brooks