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Will Stein Shows Interest in Texas Coaching Position

The Kentucky coach has ties to Austin as the Longhorns weigh the future of their football program.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

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University of Texas officials are reportedly weighing interest from Kentucky head coach Will Stein as the Longhorns football program struggles. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should universities prioritize long-term coaching stability over making rapid leadership changes after recent losses?

Longhorns fans looking toward the future are hearing reports that current Kentucky head coach Will Stein is interested in leading the Texas football program. This speculation follows a slide in the polls for Texas and increasing pressure surrounding the current coaching staff.

Why it matters

The football program faces a critical stretch after consecutive 27-24 losses, leaving fans wondering if a leadership change is on the horizon. With Texas currently ranked No. 19 in the AP poll, the outcome of upcoming games will determine whether the university moves to address the team's struggles.

The potential transition carries a high price, with the university facing a $50.15 million estimated buyout for Steve Sarkisian, while Stein's departure would trigger a 30% penalty on his $28.6 million contract. It remains unknown if or when the university will formally pursue a change.

The players

Will Stein

The current head football coach at Kentucky who previously worked in the Austin area.

Steve Sarkisian

The current head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team.

The details

Texas reportedly reached out to several candidates, but reports allege Will Stein is the only one who has shown concrete interest. Stein, who previously served as a Texas quality control assistant from 2015-2017 and coached at Lake Travis High School from 2018-2019, currently holds a 6-1 record at Kentucky. If he were to leave, he would be liable for 30% of his remaining salary. The university is closely monitoring the remainder of the season, starting with a game against No. 7 Ole Miss.

Timeline

  1. Will Stein served as a Texas quality control assistant from 2015-2017.

  2. Will Stein coached at Lake Travis High School from 2018-2019.

  3. Kentucky hired Will Stein as head coach in December 2025.

  4. Texas plays against Texas A&M on November 27, 2026.

The Texas Context

The intense scrutiny follows the team's slide to No. 19 in the 2026 AP poll rankings following consecutive conference losses. This pressure reflects the standard expectations for the program relative to its performance benchmarks.

Longhorns fans should watch for the results of the upcoming game against No. 7 Ole Miss this Saturday. The trajectory of the team leading into the November 27 matchup against Texas A&M will be the primary indicator of whether the coaching staff remains in place.

The takeaway

Fans should monitor the team's performance against Ole Miss and Texas A&M as the most reliable indicators of the university's direction. A strong finish could stabilize the current staff, while further losses may accelerate the search for new leadership.

Further reading

For more updates on the program, check the latest reports in Football.

Live Poll

Should universities prioritize long-term coaching stability over making rapid leadership changes after recent losses?