New Kentucky Coach Will Stein Says Wildcats Will Win Big 'Because Of Me'

By Staff Reporter••

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Confidence has never been in short supply for new Kentucky head coach Will Stein, and he made that clear during his appearance at SEC Media Days this week.

Asked why Kentucky fans should believe the Wildcats can win under his leadership, Stein didn't shy away from putting the spotlight squarely on himself.

quote:
"I think because of me, to be honest," Stein said.

Stein's blunt response quickly turned heads before he expanded on what he meant, pointing to the culture, preparation and standards he plans to establish in Lexington.

The former Oregon offensive coordinator inherits a Kentucky program looking for a fresh start after moving on from Mark Stoops. While Stein acknowledged there will be plenty of work ahead in the SEC, he made it clear he believes his leadership will be the difference-maker.

quote:
"I know what it takes," Stein said. "I have seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes to recruit at this level. You just got to believe. Is it going to happen overnight? I don't know.

"I know the players that we can get here. I know we can recruit north, south and east. People come to Lexington and love it. The longer I live there, the more I am like, 'Wow, this place is incredible.' It's got everything that you want. You have to go attack. You can't sit back and wait. That's one thing I refuse to do at Kentucky is to wait."

Whether that confidence translates into wins remains to be seen, but Stein certainly delivered one of the more memorable soundbites of SEC Media Days and gave Kentucky fans an early glimpse into the swagger he intends to bring to the Wildcats program.