LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky has hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as their new coach, bringing home someone whose father played for the Wildcats and who grew up watching them play.

Athletic director Mitch Barnhart announced the hiring Monday night hours after Kentucky fired Mark Stoops , who had been the Southeastern Conference’s longest-tenured coach with 13 seasons with the Wildcats until Monday morning.

“Will Stein brings an outstanding track record of developing elite quarterbacks and leading some of the most dynamic and successful offenses in college football,” Barnhart said in a statement late Monday night.

Kentucky noted Stein and his family sat in section 128, row 13, at the football stadium now called Kroger Field.

“His deep connection to Kentucky, having gr

See Full Page