Shockwaves in College Football: Will Stein’s Stunning Move from Oregon Ducks to Kentucky Wildcats Revealed!

Will Stein’s departure from Oregon after the 2025 season feels like the end of an era—and honestly, it’s about time he took that next big step. For years, the Ducks’ offensive mastermind has quietly crafted one of the most electrifying attacks in college football, earning a reputation as a genuine quarterback whisperer and propelling players like Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel into the Heisman spotlight. Now, the Lexington native is circling back home, set to take the reins as Kentucky’s new head coach—an opportunity perfectly aligned with his roots and ambitions. While Oregon faces the task of filling a monumental void, the Ducks’ offense under Stein has remained a relentless force, navigating injuries and still ranking among the nation’s best. The question now: who steps up to maintain that fire in Eugene? There’s plenty to unpack in this coaching shuffle that’s shaking the college football world. LEARN MORE

Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Will Steinis is officially going to be leaving Eugene after the 2025 season, traveling to Lexington to take over as the next head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, according to a report from On3.

As one of the most productive offensive coordinators in the nation, Oregon fans have been expecting Stein to take over as a head coach somewhere for a couple of years now. While his name has popped up as a potential candidate for a handful of jobs over the past year, it wasn’t until the Wildcats parted ways with Mark Stopps over the weekend that he was really seriously talked about as someone who could depart Eugene.

It makes sense for Stein to land at Kentucky, though, considering that he grew up in the area, attended Wildcats games as a child, and eventually played for the Louisville Cardinals.

During his three years with the Ducks, Stein has developed a reputation as a bit of a quarterback whisperer, sending both Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel to New York as Heisman Trophy finalists. While the finalists have not yet been announced for 2025, there is a chance that Dante Moore gets the invite as well, though he may be on the outside looking in when it comes to serious contenders.

The Ducks’ offense has been electric and versatile once again this year under Stein, who has kept the ship afloat despite dealing with numerous injuries to starting players over the past couple of months.

Oregon ranks No. 9 in scoring offense (38.2 ppg), No. 14 in rushing offense (218.4 ypg), and No. 13 in total offense (465.2 ypg).

With Stein now off to take on his own program, the search for a new offensive coordinator begins in Eugene. There are many options for Lanning to consider, but a strong candidate stands in-house, with running backs coach RaShaad Samples being among the top potential options.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks OC Will Stein to accept Kentucky Wildcats job