The Kentucky Wildcats have officially parted ways with their winningest coach, Mark Stoops, after 13 seasons. This was the end of the longest head coaching tenure in the SEC. The 58-year-old leaves behind a 72-80 overall record but brought unprecedented stability to the program with eight consecutive bowl appearances. Now, with the university on the hook for roughly $37 million in buyout money due within 60 days, all eyes turn to who will lead the program forward.

The name dominating the coaching search conversation is Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein. The 36-year-old Louisville native has deep Kentucky roots. It makes him a natural fit for them despite having quarterbacked rival Louisville from 2008 to 2012. But landing Stein won’t be easy. If the Wildcats can’t pry Stein away fro

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