On December 1, Mark Stoops was replaced by Will Stein as the University of Kentucky Football Team’s head coach. UK made this announcement on December 1 of this year. Stoops was UK’s head football coach for the past 13 years. Fans are anxious to see what changes Stein brings with him.
Stoops’ contract included the condition of being paid 75 percent of his ending salary in a 60-day time period if UK removed him from his head coach position. This being a large amount of money, the university had to negotiate in order to lower this amount. However, they settled with 3.94 million in 15 days and 6.75 million a year until 2031. Stoops’ original 60-day clause in his contract made him one of the highest-paying college football coaches. There is disagreement among fans about how the university dealt with this payout; however, the university dealt with it as it saw fit.
Stein has signed a five-year contract with UK. He is being paid 5.5 million his first year, with an increase of $100,000 each year. This contract also includes a one-year extension every time UK goes to the College Football playoffs. He is also set to receive incentives, for instance, like a set team GPA, winning a national championship, winning National Coach of the Year, and/or winning seven games.
Stein is a Kentucky native, with his father being a UK football alumni. Before deciding to come to UK, Stein was the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at the University of Oregon for three years. He has been praised for his ability to develop players and make plays to cater to the team’s strengths. This will be Stein’s first year as a head college football coach, leading some fans to worry. However, the university has put its trust in him to make the most out of the coming season.
Stein’s goal for the upcoming season is to win. He plans to focus on recruiting, developing, and forming a strong connection within the whole UK football program. He enters his first season as head coach, eager to make a strong impact. He is passionate about UK football, and that will hopefully be seen through his coaching.
