Lexington, KY, December 10, 2025
The University of Kentucky has finalized a five-year contract worth $28.5 million for Will Stein to become the new head football coach starting January 2026. The deal includes annual salary increases, performance incentives, and various benefits to support the development of a competitive football program. Stein, previously an offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon, will take over following the dismissal of Mark Stoops, who received a significant severance package. The contract emphasizes Kentucky’s commitment to excellence in college football.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky has announced a five-year, $28.5 million contract for new head football coach Will Stein, effective January 2026. This agreement includes annual salary increases and performance-based incentives.
Contract Details
- Annual Salary: Starting at $5.5 million in 2026, with $100,000 increases each subsequent year, reaching $5.9 million by 2030.
- Performance Incentives: Up to $2.15 million annually, based on achievements such as College Football Playoff appearances, SEC titles, and team academic performance.
- Contract Extension: Automatic one-year extension for each College Football Playoff appearance, with corresponding $100,000 salary increases.
- Termination Clause: If terminated without cause, Stein would receive 70% of the remaining salary, paid monthly over the contract’s duration.
Background
Stein, 36, previously served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon. He is set to succeed Mark Stoops, who was dismissed on December 1, 2025. Stoops is entitled to a severance package totaling nearly $37.7 million, distributed through the 2030-31 contract year. This includes an initial lump sum of over $3.9 million, followed by quarterly payments of $6.75 million until April 2031. These payments are not subject to mitigation, meaning they will not be reduced based on future earnings.
Additional Provisions
- Staffing: Kentucky will provide an assistant and support staff salary pool set at SEC competitive levels.
- Benefits: Stein is entitled to retirement contributions, health insurance, moving expenses, temporary housing, and use of a private jet until February 1, 2026, to assist with his transition.
- Perks: Options include a stipend or two vehicles, a personal suite for home games, tickets to other UK athletic events, and a membership in one private club.
These agreements reflect Kentucky’s commitment to building a competitive football program under Stein’s leadership.
What is the duration and value of Will Stein’s contract with Kentucky?
Will Stein has signed a five-year, $28.5 million contract with the University of Kentucky, effective January 2026.
What are the key components of Will Stein’s contract?
Stein’s contract includes an annual salary starting at $5.5 million, increasing by $100,000 each year, performance incentives up to $2.15 million annually, automatic contract extensions for College Football Playoff appearances, and a termination clause providing 70% of remaining salary if terminated without cause.
What is Mark Stoops’ severance package following his dismissal?
Mark Stoops is entitled to a severance package totaling nearly $37.7 million, including an initial lump sum of over $3.9 million, followed by quarterly payments of $6.75 million until April 2031. These payments are not subject to mitigation.
What benefits and perks are included in Will Stein’s contract?
Stein’s contract provides benefits such as retirement contributions, health insurance, moving expenses, temporary housing, and use of a private jet until February 1, 2026. Perks include a stipend or two vehicles, a personal suite for home games, tickets to other UK athletic events, and a membership in one private club.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration and Value | Five years, $28.5 million, effective January 2026 |
| Annual Salary | Starting at $5.5 million in 2026, increasing by $100,000 each year |
| Performance Incentives | Up to $2.15 million annually for achievements like CFP appearances and SEC titles |
| Contract Extension | Automatic one-year extension for each College Football Playoff appearance, with $100,000 salary increase |
| Termination Clause | 70% of remaining salary paid monthly if terminated without cause |
| Staffing and Benefits | Assistant and support staff salary pool at SEC competitive levels; benefits include retirement contributions, health insurance, moving expenses, temporary housing, and use of a private jet until February 1, 2026 |
| Perks | Options for stipend or two vehicles, personal suite for home games, tickets to other UK athletic events, and membership in one private club |
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