Lexington, KY, December 10, 2025
The University of Kentucky has officially secured Will Stein as its new head football coach with a five-year, $28.5 million contract. Effective from 2026, Stein’s contract begins with a $5.5 million salary, increasing annually and including performance incentives worth up to $2.15 million. Should he achieve success such as College Football Playoff appearances, his salary will rise alongside automatic contract extensions. The agreement also details termination clauses, providing financial protections for both parties. This news arrives alongside Mark Stoops’ substantial severance package following his dismissal.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky has finalized a five-year, $28.5 million contract for its new head football coach, Will Stein. The contract, effective through January 2031, stipulates that Stein’s annual salary will start at $5.5 million in 2026, increasing by $100,000 each year thereafter. Moreover, Stein’s contract includes performance incentives that could earn him up to $2.15 million annually, tied to accomplishments such as College Football Playoff appearances, SEC titles, and team academic performance. For each College Football Playoff appearance, Stein is guaranteed an automatic one-year contract extension, along with an additional $100,000 increase in his salary.
The contract also outlines the financial repercussions associated with termination. If the University of Kentucky terminates Stein’s contract without cause, he is entitled to receive 70% of the remaining salary, disbursed monthly throughout the duration of his contract. Conversely, should Stein decide to leave without cause, he will be obliged to pay 30% of the remaining value of his contract.
Before his appointment at Kentucky, the 36-year-old Stein served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon. His official start date with Kentucky is set for 2026.
In related financial news, Mark Stoops, Kentucky’s former head coach who was dismissed on December 1, 2025, will receive a severance package that totals nearly $37.7 million. This package includes an upfront payment exceeding $3.9 million as well as quarterly payments of $6.75 million each year until April 1, 2031. Notably, these payments will not be reduced based on future employment earnings.
The University of Kentucky has provided clarity and transparency regarding both Stein’s hiring contract and Stoops’ severance package through its official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Will Stein’s annual salary under his new contract?
Will Stein’s annual salary starts at $5.5 million in 2026, with a $100,000 increase each subsequent year, totaling $28.5 million over five years.
What performance incentives are included in Stein’s contract?
Stein’s contract includes performance incentives up to $2.15 million annually, based on achievements such as College Football Playoff appearances, SEC titles, and team academic performance.
What happens if Kentucky terminates Stein’s contract without cause?
If Kentucky terminates Stein’s contract without cause, he is entitled to 70% of the remaining salary, paid monthly over the contract’s duration.
What is Mark Stoops’ severance package after his dismissal?
Mark Stoops is set to receive 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 each year until April 1, 2031.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | 5 years, through January 2031 |
| Annual Salary | Starting at $5.5 million in 2026, increasing by $100,000 each year |
| Performance Incentives | Up to $2.15 million annually, based on achievements like College Football Playoff appearances, SEC titles, and team academic performance |
| Automatic Extensions | One-year extension for each College Football Playoff appearance, with a $100,000 salary increase per extension |
| Termination Without Cause | 70% of remaining salary paid monthly over the contract’s duration |
| Severance Package for Mark Stoops | Nearly $37.7 million, including an initial lump sum of over $3.9 million, followed by quarterly payments of $6.75 million each year until April 1, 2031 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Incident Raises Concerns Over Hate Crimes in Lexington
Will Stein Secures $28.5 Million Contract as New Kentucky Football Coach
Homeowner Claims Lexington Shooting Was Hate Crime
Kentucky Wildcats Secure Major Victory Against NC Central
University of Kentucky Signs Will Stein as New Head Coach
Tragedy Strikes at Kentucky State University
How VOW’s AI Platform is Revolutionizing Live Events
Join the Lexington Fire Department’s 96th Annual Toy Drive
Shooting on Magoffin Street Investigated as Possible Hate Crime
Will Stein Named New Head Coach for Kentucky Football
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
