Kentucky Working Toward Deal With New Head Coach as Agree...

By Nelson Espinal

Contributing Sports Reporter

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The Kentucky Wildcats are finalizing a deal to make Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein the program's next head coach.

Kentucky is coming off recently firing Mark Stoops, who went 9-15 overall over the past two years. Stoops was at the helm for 13 seasons, but the school felt fresh blood was needed at the top and moved to axe its longtime coach.

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Now, they hand the keys over to Stein, who grew up in Louisville and played for the Cardinals, though his family has ties to the Wildcats.

His father was a former Kentucky player, and they also held season tickets for games.

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Stein has been one of the buzziest coaches in college football, leading an explosive Oregon offense that scored 38.2 points per game, ranking 9th in the nation.

He has spent three full seasons with the Ducks as both the coordinator and quarterbacks coach. His offensive knowledge should have him bringing new challenges to the SEC, a conference known for its defense rather than offense.

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Oregon is known for recruiting and using explosive players who possess electric speed and elusiveness. Given their track record of developing these kinds of athletes, the program tends to attract such talent easily.

In Kentucky, it will be a whole different ballgame, though offensive players will likely chomp at the bit to be coached by Stein.