Report: Kentucky working to hire Oregon OC Stein as next coach

Kentucky is working toward a deal that will make Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein the Wildcats' next head coach, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Stein would replace Mark Stoops, who was fired Monday by Kentucky after 13 seasons. Stein is expected to still call Oregon's offense during the College Football Playoff, Thamel adds.

A Kentucky native, Stein has garnered a positive reputation for his work as a play-caller with the 11-1 Ducks, averaging 38.2 points per game this season.

Stein's been Oregon's offensive coordinator since 2023. His unit averaged 44.2 points per game in his first season, and 34.9 points per contest in his second campaign.

Scoring has been a major issue for Kentucky. Under Stoops in 2025, the program ranked 102nd in the nation in points scored (23 PPG) as it stumbled to a 5-7 record.

Stein will have big shoes to fill, as Stoops recorded an 82-80 record with Kentucky, and was the winningest football coach in the school's history.