SerpApi.Org
New Kentucky coach Will Stein channeled a little bit of his inner Curt Cignetti during his first appearance at SEC media days.
The former Oregon offensive coordinator is regarded as one of the top offensive minds in the sport, and now, the 36-year-old Louisville native will try his hand as a head coach in the SEC. He replaces the winningest coach in program history, Mark Stoops, but the success started to slip in Stoops' last few seasons.
Asked by the media why he thinks he can win big in Lexington, Stein's answer was simple.
“I think because of me, to be honest,” Stein said. “Because of me. I think I know what it takes. I’ve seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes to recruit at this level. You’ve just got to believe, man. You’ve just got to put the ball down and play. There’s not really (much) else to be said.
“Is it going to happen overnight? I don’t know. I really don’t. If I had a crystal ball, everybody in this room would be really, really rich right now. I don’t. And so, the best determination of if what you’re doing is working is putting the ball down and playing football.”
Will Stein brings a new era to Kentucky football
Stoops won 82 games in his 13 years at Kentucky, but the Wildcats missed a bowl in each of the last two seasons. Stein has quickly turned the roster around, bringing in a top-10 transfer portal class that features 29 additions.
Headlining that group are some big offensive additions for Stein and coordinator Joe Sloan to work with, including former Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey, former Texas running back CJ Baxter and former Tennessee offensive tackle Lance Heard.
There's momentum in the bluegrass state, and it's clear Stein isn't lacking in self-confidence.
Contact/Follow @College_Wire on X and @College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Will Stein had a bold answer when asked why he'll win big at Kentucky
