Getting to know the team and adding transfers were Will Stein's first 2 steps | Don't @ Me w/Dan Dakich
Will Stein breaks down his first courses of action as the Kentcuky head football coach since getting the job.
TAMPA, FL - Will Stein stood at the SEC Media Days podium for the first time as the Kentucky head football coach and essentially pulled a move that would make Curt Cignetti proud.
There have been plenty of times over the past few years when new head coaches would point to tradition, facilities, a fan base or recruiting practices as to why they would have success at their new destination.
A number of those statements usually fall on deaf-ears, knowing the coaches were just going by the playbook that comes when taking over at a new school, or becoming a head coach for the first time.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Will Stein speaks at SEC Football Media Day at Tampa Marriott Water Street in Tampa, Fla., on July 20, 2026. (Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)
At Kentucky, the football program had plateaued under Mark Stoops. There needed to be a sense of hunger once again in Lexington, and former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein was the man for the job.
Given his long history with Kentucky, the fit works with Stein. He bleeds blue, and there is enough excitement in Lexington within the athletic department and fan base for him to have the support needed to find success, whatever that may be over the next few years.
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But, we're seen Kentucky have success before, though it's been a few years since they've garnered headlines.
A Curt Cignetti moment for the Kentucky head coach
On Monday in Tampa, Will Stein made sure to add fire to that excitement within the Wildcats base, with one simple answer that reminded us of Curt Cignetti telling reporters to 'Google Him' during his introductory news conference at Indiana.
When asked the Kentucky coach was asked why he believes that he can find success in Lexington on the football field, Stein took about five or six seconds to compose himself before delivering a quote that has obviously made its rounds across college football.
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"This is gonna sound like really...I think because of me, to be honest," Stein said to the room. "I think because of me. I know what it takes. I have seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes to recruit at this level
"You just gotta believe man. You got to put the football down and just play. There's not really anything else to be said. Is it gonna happen overnight? I don't know, I really don't. If I had a crystal ball, everybody in this room would be really, really, rich right now. The best determination of if it's working is putting the ball down and playing football."
Exactly what Kentucky, and college football, fans enjoy hearing
While Stein would go on to mention that there will be bumps in the road along the way, you can't help but enjoy his refreshing take as a first-time head coach.
There was zero fluff to his answer, just honesty. He wants to win now. Not only for himself, but for the Kentucky program that he holds dear to his heart.
"I am prepared for tough moments and hard times," Stein would add. I succumbed to that in our process. I already do self-talk myself about how I can stay neutral when stuff is bad, I can stay as neutral as possible and be very diplomatic in my approach.
"So, that's why. Growing up a fan (of Kentucky) is one thing. But, I know the players that we can get here. I know we can recruit North, South and East. People come to Lexington and love it. The longer I live there, the longer I'm like 'Wow, this place is incredible. It's got everything you want...It takes some TLC, and you gotta attack."
Head coach Will Stein of the Kentucky Wildcats speaks at SEC Football Media Day at the Tampa Marriott Water Street in Tampa, Fla., on July 20, 2026. (Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images)
And, it's clear that Will Stein is not going to just patiently wait for his turn to change the narrative in Lexington.
"You can't sit back and wait. That's one thing i refuse to do at Kentucky is wait."
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Alright, he certainly won the news conference at SEC Media Days. Now, let's see how long it takes to get Kentucky into the CFP conversation.
Who's to say he's wrong? We're all obviously thinking differently of Indiana these days.
