(BCSNN) -- The University of Kentucky announced Monday that Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein has been hired as the Wildcats’ next head football coach, following the departure of Mark Stoops.

Stein, 36, is a native Kentuckian and the son of UK alumni. His father, Matt, played football for the Wildcats in the 1980s, while his mother, Debbie, has long been a passionate fan. Stein grew up attending games at Commonwealth Stadium and later competed there as a collegiate quarterback and assistant coach.

“Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football,” said UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart. “His deep connection to Kentucky, having grown up attending games in our stadium, gives him a unique passion for this program and this community. We are thrilled to have him leading the Wildcats onto the field next fall, and I know Big Blue Nation will join me in giving a warm welcome to Will, his wife Darby and their children, Joey and Demi.”

Stein arrives from Oregon, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for three seasons. His offenses consistently ranked among the nation’s best, producing Heisman finalists Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, both of whom went on to start NFL games as rookies.

“Will Stein brings two invaluable qualities to the table as the next head coach of the UK football program,” University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said. “He is an outstanding developer and coach of young talent, something he has proven repeatedly in his career already as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at an elite level. And he has a deep and abiding passion for this place. It runs deep with him and his family.

“He understands the Big Blue Nation, this university and what this team and program mean to our Commonwealth. We are looking forward to welcoming Will and his family back home and we can’t wait to support them as they further elevate our program in a way that makes Kentucky proud.”

In 2025, Oregon finished 11–1 and ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff standings, averaging 38.2 points per game. Stein’s balanced attack produced 465.2 yards per contest, with quarterback Dante Moore completing 72.5 percent of his passes for 2,733 yards and 24 touchdowns.

The Ducks’ 2024 season saw a 13–1 record, a Big Ten championship, and a CFP No. 1 seed. Dillon Gabriel threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns, finishing third in the Heisman voting. In Stein’s first season at Oregon in 2023, the Ducks led the nation in passing and completion percentage, while Bo Nix set an NCAA record with a 77.4 percent completion rate.

Prior to Oregon, Stein spent three seasons at UTSA, where he helped quarterback Frank Harris earn Conference USA MVP honors in 2022. The Roadrunners won the C-USA title that year and ranked among the nation’s top 15 in scoring and total offense.

Stein’s coaching journey also includes stops at Texas, Louisville, and Lake Travis High School in Texas, where he gained play-calling experience and guided the Cavaliers to consecutive state semifinal appearances. He played collegiately at Louisville from 2008–12 and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.

A Louisville native with deep ties to Kentucky football, Stein now returns home to lead the Wildcats into a new era. He and his wife, Darby, have two children, Joey and Demi.