When a Power Five school like the Oregon Ducks has been successful in recruiting top players and building a team into a championship contender, it's only a matter of time before an assistant coach or coordinator becomes a target for the search committee looking to fill a vacant head coaching position. In the Ducks' case, that person is offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Will Stein.
Stein's coaching career includes stints at Louisville (2013-14), Texas (2015-17), Lake Travis High School (2018-19) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (2020-22). Stein started as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio and was named co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the 2022 season. He was then hired by University of Oregon head coach Dan Lanning to become the Ducks' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
“We conducted an exhaustive search to find the right person to lead our offense and be the best fit for Oregon,” Running said. “Will is that person. He's a passionate, innovative coach who always finds ways to get the most out of his people.”
“Will has contributed greatly to developing dynamic quarterbacks throughout his career and, as a former quarterback, he sees the game from a different perspective. He is an incredible teacher and a tireless worker, and his emphasis on the student-athlete experience aligns with our philosophy here in Eugene,” Lanning explained. “I look forward to watching our team and offense reach new heights under his leadership and direction, along with our entire offensive staff.”
Stein's work in 2023 has drawn attention from other programs, with his name being mentioned in connection with head coaching vacancies with the UCLA Bruins, Washington Huskies, Kentucky Wildcats and Houston Cougars.
Last season, Stein's Ducks ranked second in the nation in scoring attack (44.2 points per game), passing attack (342.8 yards per game) and total offense (526.6 yards per game). Additionally, Stein further enhanced his stellar reputation as a quarterbacks coach with his work with Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix.
Before anyone can assume Stein's farewell party is a certainty, there are some concerns that can't be overlooked. Chief among them is his lack of coaching experience and lack of head coaching experience. There is a big gap between a coordinator role and a leader role. The debate here is not whether Stein can succeed at the top position, but rather whether he's ready to make that leap.
A few weeks ago, On3's Andy Staples invited Stein on his show, and Staples was impressed with the potential Stein could bring to the show.
“He's mature beyond his years,” Staples said. “If we can get the same results out of Dillon Gabriel that we got out of Bo Nix, there's no coaching search that won't have Will Stein's name coming up, because athletic directors love offense. They believe offense sells tickets. If you want to sell excitement, you want a high-scoring offense, so Will Stein's name is going to come up.”
Beyond his success on the field, Stein has demonstrated his ability to lead a college football team. Whether it's recruiting promising players, mentoring the quarterback or building relationships with donors, fans and alumni, Stein has already proven he thrives in the spotlight, something that is often overlooked when recruiting decisions are made.
Meanwhile, athletic directors and the selection committee only have one year to fully evaluate Stein, making 2024 a potentially pivotal year in his career. Oregon's offensive line is sure to be anchored by a one-two punch of center Gabriel, running backs Jordan James and Noah Whittington, and wide receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart. The question is whether Stein can replicate what he did in 2023 with the Knicks.
On that front, Staples believes Stein's offense needs to put up some impressive numbers to prove that last year's performance was no fluke.
“If Dillon Gabriel is completing passes in the high 70s, he's averaging about eight to nine yards per play,” Staples said. “I think Will Stein's name is going to come up pretty often.”
During a national coaching change earlier this year, Lanning made it clear that Oregon is where he wants to live and coach football. There is no reason to think Stein wants to move, but this is a highly competitive sport coached by highly competitive individuals. Continued success at the highest level makes a school more receptive to a coaching change. The dilemma for Ducks fans is finding a way to keep Stein in Eugene while still hoping for great success.
