Will Stein's recent journey in the professional coaching world has been nothing short of remarkable, particularly over the past six weeks. On December 3, he officially stepped into the role of head football coach at Kentucky. Just as he was settling into this new position, the transfer portal—a crucial period for recruiting and team-building—was set to close soon after on Friday. To add to the challenge, Stein continued performing duties at his previous job while navigating this transition.
On December 20, Stein was part of the Oregon Ducks as they triumphed over James Madison at Autzen Stadium. Shortly after, on New Year’s Day, they secured a victory against Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. The very next day, he returned to Lexington to kick off the first round of transfer portal visits at Kentucky. However, he didn’t linger; he quickly headed back to Eugene to gear up for a semifinal clash against Indiana. Following that game in Atlanta, he was right back to work in Kentucky, ready to tackle his responsibilities there.
Throughout this hectic schedule, Stein managed to meet the expectations of his new employer, Mitch Barnhart, who expressed admiration for Stein's ability to juggle both roles effectively. Barnhart also credited Dan Lanning, Stein's predecessor at Oregon, for his understanding and support during this busy time.
"I’m truly amazed at how smoothly he managed everything," Barnhart remarked during a recent interview. "Dan had a strategy in place based on his own experience when he transitioned from Georgia to Oregon, which made this process much easier. Dan was incredibly supportive, allowing Will the flexibility to move back and forth between jobs as needed.
"The dedication Will showed—balancing respect for the team he developed and the urgent task of assembling a coaching staff—was truly commendable. He had to act swiftly to ensure the roster was in order, which is no small feat in such a limited timeframe."
For Stein, one of the primary tasks ahead involved building a robust staff of nearly twenty individuals. This group was essential to help delegate responsibilities while he focused on strategizing for the College Football Playoff. Numerous Zoom calls were organized to guarantee that everyone was aligned and ready to hit the ground running with the opening of the transfer portal.
Now that the juggling act is nearing its end and the free agency period is winding down, Stein can concentrate on preparing at the facility, laying the groundwork for the Wildcats' inaugural season under his leadership.
"It’s incredible that Will and his team handled all this so seamlessly during such a crucial time," Barnhart noted. "Getting winter workouts underway, establishing his culture, and preparing for spring practice are all vital steps. Then there’s the challenge of facing a tough SEC schedule in the fall, and it all begins again from there."
