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How Much Does Will Stein Make as Kentucky Football Coach? Salary, Term

On Dec. 2, 2025, the University of Kentucky signed Will Stein, new Kentucky football head coach, to a five-year, $28,500,000 minimum contract running through January 2031 with pay starting at $5,500,000 for 2026 and increasing $100,000 annually.
LEX 18 obtained Mark Stoops's separation agreement showing a severance package of $37,687,500 paid over seven years, including $3,937,500 within 15 days of his Dec. 1 firing.
The contract includes automatic CFP-triggered extensions that grant one-year extensions and $100,000 raises per appearance, performance incentives capped at $2,150,000 per season, and an assistant and support staff pool set at SEC competitive levels.
Under the buyout terms, Will Stein would pay University of Kentucky 30% buyout if he leaves, while Kentucky must pay him 70% remaining salary monthly if terminated without cause.
Looking ahead, those scheduled increases put Will Stein at $5,700,000 for 2028, $5,800,000 in 2029, and $5,900,000 in 2030, as per his contract with UK.

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22 Articles

A breakdown of Will Stein's 5-year, $28.5M contract with Kentucky football

Will Stein will be taking over the reins for Kentucky football next season, and he'll be getting a pay raise with the promotion.

3 months ago·Louisville, United States

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The Paducah Sun

Reposted by

Tribune Courier

Lean Right

Will Stein gets 5-year term, starting at $5.5 million

Terms of new Kentucky football coach Will Stein’s contract were released on Monday.

3 months ago

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Associated Press News

+10 Reposted by 10 other sources

Lean Left

Kentucky's Stein set to make $28.5M in 5-year deal as new football coach; Stoops owed nearly $37.7M

New Kentucky football coach Will Stein’s deal will pay him $28.5 million over five years. In addition, fired coach Mark Stoops will be paid nearly $37.7 million in severance paid out through the 2030-31 contract year.

3 months ago·United States

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WKYT

Center

Details of Stein’s Contract and Stoops’ Severance

The details of new Kentucky Football Head Coach Will Stein’s contract and former UK Football Head Coach Mark Stoops’ separation agreement have been released.

3 months ago

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Cincinnati Enquirer

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Center

How much does Will Stein make as Kentucky football coach? Salary, term

Here's what to know about Will Stein's Kentucky contract, including his salary as UK football coach and how it stacks up against his Oregon contract.

3 months ago·Cincinnati, United States

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WHAS11

Center

Kentucky to pay Will Stein $28.5 million with five-year contract

Will Stein's new role as Kentucky's head football coach comes with a lucrative five-year contract, offering attractive performance bonuses and a clear exit strategy.

3 months ago

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