Oregon’s Will Stein may decline opportunity to replace Deshaun Foster at UCLA

Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein was named as a potential head coaching replacement for the UCLA Bruins after the program recently fired Deshaun Foster following a 0-3 start to the 2025 season with losses to the New Mexico Lobos, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, and Utah Utes.

USA Today’s Ehsan Kassim believes Stein could be hesitant to remain on the West Coast as a Louisville native and former quarterback for the UL Cardinals. Stein has worked for Dan Lanning for three years now. Kassim argues that’s part of what makes him one of the better candidates out there.

“Another coach with no head coaching experience, Stein has taken the reins of offensive coordinator for Kenny Dillingham and has not missed a step with the Ducks under Dan Lanning. At just 35 years old, Stein would be a good candidate to fill the role for the long haul for the Bruins and bring an advanced offense to Los Angeles,” Kassim wrote.

“The hope for UCLA, if they considered Stein, would be that he's picked up on Lanning's strategic coaching and attention to detail.

“Stein is from Louisville, so the question is whether he would want to stick around the West Coast or head back closer to home for his first coaching gig.”

Stein’s coaching career started off with the Cardinals before he worked in Texas for seven years with the Longhorns in a quality control role, and then with the Lake Travis Cavaliers and UTSA Roadrunners in an offensive coordinator/QB coach hybrid role.

He’s used to residencies away from home. Getting the opportunity to coach at a prestigious program like UCLA could probably help him find the necessary motivation to stick it out on the West Coast.

If Stein is offered the job, it’s hard to see him say no to the Bruins. Time will tell, though.