The 3 likeliest candidates to become next Kentucky Football head coach

Mark Stoops and the University of Kentucky have officially parted ways after 13 seasons. Stoops leaves as the longest tenured coach in the SEC and as the man who rebuilt the program from the inside out.

With his departure, Kentucky now enters a coaching search that will move quickly and decisively.

Based on conversations and early indications, three names are expected to get the first look before the rest. There is also a strong belief that whoever Kentucky hires will work alongside a roster GM. That concept mirrors what several modern programs are doing with roster management, NIL strategy, and the transfer portal.

Here is a deeper and more natural look at the three candidates believed to be at the top of Kentucky’s early big board.

Oregon Ducks Offensive Coordinator Will Stein

Among all the potential options, Will Stein might be the most interesting fit for Kentucky. He is young, innovative, and his offenses at Oregon have been efficient, balanced, and explosive. Stein is widely viewed as one of the fastest-rising offensive minds in college football.

His ties to Kentucky are very real. Stein is from Louisville and played high school football in the state before going on to play quarterback at the University of Louisville. Both of his parents went to UK, and his father was a player for the Cats under Jerry Claiborne in the 80s.

The Stein family also has season tickets to UK football and basketball.

He knows the area, understands the culture, and is familiar with the expectations and identity of football in the Commonwealth.

There is something else that matters here. I can say on good authority that if Kentucky offered the job, Stein would likely take it. That alone puts him firmly on the radar early.

Stein represents the modern prototype. He can coach quarterbacks, he can call plays, and his age and energy appeal directly to transfer portal talent. If Kentucky wants a fresh identity rooted in offense, this is a name to keep a close eye on.

Justin Rowland reports that Kentucky has already scheduled an interview with Stein. It’s quickly becoming clear that the Oregon OC is the early favorite to be the next Kentucky football head coach.

Ohio State Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Brian Hartline

If Kentucky wants someone with star power and immediate recruiting credibility, Brian Hartline fits that mold perfectly. He has become known as one of the best recruiters in college football and has developed an endless list of NFL receivers at Ohio State. Players trust him, recruits flock to him, and his work speaks for itself.

Hartline also has a significant tie to Kentucky. His brother, Mike Hartline, played quarterback at UK and more recently joined the Wildcats staff in a support role. Because of that connection, Brian has spent time in Lexington through the years and has a better understanding of the program than people might realize. That familiarity matters when a coach is asked to step into a situation that demands a fast turnaround and cultural fit.

Hartline has turned down opportunities before. He has been patient and intentional with every career move. But the chance to take over his own program in the SEC is something he would at least evaluate seriously. For Kentucky, he checks every box in recruiting, player development, and offensive identity.

UNLV Head Coach Dan Mullen

Dan Mullen is the most proven coach on this list. His work at Mississippi State and Florida shows a clear pattern. Quarterbacks improve under him, offenses stabilize, and teams win games. Very few coaches in college football have done more with less than Mullen did during his run in Starkville.

While Mullen has no personal ties to Kentucky (he was hired at Florida by former UK associate AD Scott Stricklin), he has something else just as valuable. He has experience winning in the SEC at a program that is not a traditional powerhouse. Kentucky understands that path well. Mullen could walk into Lexington on day one with a full understanding of what it takes to battle the league giants.

After stepping away from coaching and working in television, Mullen became the head coach at UNLV this offseason and has guided the Runnin’ Rebels to a 10-2 regular season. They’ll face Boise State this Friday in the Mountain West Championship Game.

If Kentucky chooses experience over youth and proven consistency over projection, Mullen instantly becomes one of the most reliable options.

Why These 3 Make Sense

When you look at these names together, a clear picture forms. Kentucky wants someone who understands modern college football and can adapt quickly to roster building, NIL, and the transfer portal. Pairing a new coach with a roster GM is a sign of where the sport has moved, and these candidates fit that direction in different ways.

Stein brings innovation and local roots.

Hartline brings elite recruiting and a family connection to UK.

Mullen brings proven SEC success and a steady hand.

Kentucky is not expected to drag its feet. With the transfer portal open and signing day approaching, time matters more than ever. Stoops built a foundation that changed Kentucky football. Now the focus shifts to who will lead the next era.

The early list is clear. The decision comes next.