LEXINGTON — The Kentucky football head coaching position is a challenging one, situated in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). Historically, UK has struggled, being one of only three SEC schools—along with Mississippi State and Vanderbilt—that has recorded more losses than wins since its football inception. However, former coach Mark Stoops demonstrated that with the right leadership and strategy, the Wildcats can compete against programs with far greater resources and storied legacies.
After 13 seasons, the university made a significant decision by parting ways with Stoops, which now sets the stage for a new leader to revitalize the football program. As Kentucky initiates its search for a successor, two prominent candidates have already been claimed by other SEC schools: Alex Golesh and Jon Sumrall. Golesh, who recently led South Florida to a successful season, has been hired by Auburn, while Sumrall, a former UK player and assistant coach, will take the helm at Florida.
With those candidates out of the running, Will Stein has emerged as a fan-favorite to take on the coaching role. Currently, Stein serves as the offensive coordinator at Oregon, where his team ranks among the top in the nation for scoring and total offense. His connections to Kentucky run deep, having been a quarterback at Trinity High School and the University of Louisville. Stein’s family holds a longstanding association with UK football, which fans believe makes him a perfect fit for the Wildcats’ program.
Another potential candidate is Brian Hartline, who has built a reputation as an exceptional recruiter and co-offensive coordinator at Ohio State. With strong recruiting ties, particularly in Ohio—a significant area for Stoops during his tenure—Hartline would bring a wealth of experience. Additionally, he has familial ties to the Wildcats through his brother, Mike, who played for the program. However, Hartline may be reluctant to leave the resource-rich environment at Ohio State for a rebuilding project at UK.
Bob Chesney, currently head coach at James Madison University (JMU), is another name to watch. He boasts an impressive coaching record across multiple divisions of the NCAA, with a remarkable ability to win consistently. Under his leadership, JMU has enjoyed a successful season and is poised for a possible College Football Playoff berth, further enhancing his candidacy for Kentucky’s coaching position.
Other candidates being considered include Dan Mullen, head coach at UNLV, and Glenn Schumann, co-defensive coordinator at Georgia.
As the search unfolds, the Wildcats community remains hopeful that a new leader can harness the potential for success that Stoops once achieved, creating a more competitive and dynamic football program in Lexington. The right hire could bring a new era of optimism and growth for Kentucky football.