College Football Playoff coach predicted to turn around major college football program

The college football coaching carousel of 2025 concluded with significant changes across the Power Four conferences, including over 15 head coach openings. The SEC experienced notable turnover, with six programs seeking new leadership, five due to terminations. Kentucky concluded the SEC's changes by dismissing Mark Stoops on November 30 and quickly appointing Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as the new head coach.

Will Stein, a Louisville native and former quarterback for the Louisville Cardinals, brings a diverse coaching background to Kentucky. His career began at Louisville, followed by a stint at Texas under Charlie Strong. Stein advanced his career at UTSA, where he contributed as a pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. At Oregon, he served as offensive coordinator, leading the Ducks to a 38-5 record, a Big Ten championship, and two College Football Playoff appearances.

Stein's expertise with quarterbacks is seen as a promising development for Kentucky, which lacked dynamic quarterback play under Stoops. CBS Sports' John Talty suggests that