Ryan Black, Louisville Courier JournalWed, December 3, 2025 at 10:13 PM UTC·1 min readLEXINGTON — As Will Stein's introductory news conference officially started Wednesday, fireworks went off in the background as he walked toward the stage with his wife, Darby. The fireworks sparked again after athletics director Mitch Barnhart welcomed Stein to the podium.
It's fitting.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKentucky football wants him to field an explosive offense.
And that's exactly what he plans to do.
"We're going to play an exciting brand," Stein said during his opening statement Wednesday at Nutter Field House. "It's the only way I know how. Our plan is to light up the scoreboard.
"Why not?"
The Wildcats recently have had a hard time answering that question.
Offense was a mighty battle for Kentucky in the waning years of former coach Mark Stoops' tenure.
In 18 games versus power-conference competition — 16 SEC matchups, plus two Governor's Cup tilts against Louisville — the past two seasons, UK's managed to score three (or more) touchdowns just twice.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStein wouldn't know such struggles.
The offensive coordinator at Oregon the past three seasons, Stein has directed a dynamic attack.
In 2023, the Ducks were second nationally in scoring offense and total offense. His follow-up in 2024 saw Oregon field a top-25 unit in both of those statistical departments.
And this season, the Ducks are ninth in the nation in points (38.2 per game) and 13th in yards (465.2 per game).
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Will Stein Kentucky football offense plans to excite with approach
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