Will Stein has Kentucky off to one of the more impressive beginnings in the SEC, but the inaugural head coach is now being talked about as a potential successor for Steve Sarkisian at Texas.
The Longhorns have experienced back-to-back losses against Oklahoma and Florida, plummeting from No. 1 in the AP rankings to No. 19. As Sarkisian faces increasing scrutiny, a new report indicates Texas has already begun considering possible replacements.
Among the names mentioned, Stein has reportedly captured attention for reasons that extend beyond his 6-1 record with the Wildcats.
Will Stein Displays ‘Genuine Interest’ in Steve Sarkisian’s Position: Report
Paul Winston
shared on X on Oct. 20 that Texas had approached several notable coaches, with Stein being highlighted as the only candidate to exhibit what Winston described as “genuine interest.”
“Regarding Will Stein, I anticipate him to be Texas’s top target as well. The university has reached out to Lanning, Cristobal, Chesney, and Stein. So far, Stein is the only one to show real interest in the position. Developments could unfold rapidly in Austin.”
The other coaches mentioned include Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Miami’s Mario Cristobal, and UCLA’s Bob Chesney. Winston did not disclose his sources or offer further details about the reported discussions, and his assertions regarding Texas contacting those coaches have not been independently verified.
Sarkisian continues as the head coach at Texas, and the Longhorns still have six regular-season contests on the horizon. Nevertheless, concerns about his future have intensified following two consecutive 27-24 losses, with another report indicating that further defeats, especially one against Texas A&M, could jeopardize his position.
Texas will face No. 7 Ole Miss on Saturday before concluding the regular season against the Aggies on Nov. 27.
Will Stein Has Connections at Texas amid Kentucky Revival
Stein would offer something that not all the other candidates on Winston’s list provide: familiarity with the inner workings of the Texas program. He worked as a quality control assistant for the Longhorns from 2015-17, dealing with receivers and quarterbacks, before moving on to be the offensive coordinator at Lake Travis High School near Austin from 2018-19.
His career path then led him to UTSA and Oregon. While with the Ducks from 2023-25, Stein coached quarterbacks Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, both of whom were recognized as Heisman Trophy finalists, prior to Kentucky hiring him as their head coach in December 2025.
The initial outcomes in Lexington have been tough to overlook. Kentucky boasts a record of 6-1 and has achieved five consecutive wins, which include a 31-21 triumph against Texas A&M, a nail-biting 35-34 victory over LSU, and a Saturday win of 21-13 on the road against Oklahoma. The Wildcats have already attained bowl eligibility in Stein’s debut season.
Stein took over a Kentucky team that finished 5-7 under Mark Stoops last year and has missed bowl games for two consecutive years. The Wildcats currently rank No. 12, seven positions ahead of Texas.
A potential transition would entail financial complications for both parties. As reported by Lexington Herald-Leader’s Jon Hale, Stein’s five-year contract with Kentucky is valued at $28.6 million, inclusive of a clause that mandates him to forfeit 30% of his remaining salary if he departs for another position.
Conversely, Texas could be liable for approximately $50.15 million owed to Sarkisian if he is let go after the 2026 campaign, according to CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland.
Stein possesses experience in Austin and a strong beginning to his head coaching venture. However, in Kentucky, he also leads a burgeoning program, holds a long-term contract, and has the opportunity to vie for an SEC championship in his inaugural season.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post SEC Rival Coach Displays ‘Genuine Interest’ in Succeeding Texas’ Steve Sarkisian: Report appeared first on HEAVY.
