Thoughts from an Oregon guy

[bthaunert]

I haven't been posting here long. I was a long time poster on the other board before coming over here in recent months. Most (if not all) probably don't know that I have worked in and around college athletics for the past 25 years at 5 different institutions....including 8 years at the University of Oregon (2008 - 2016). While I didn't work directly in athletics there, I did manage some of the athletic facilities and worked really close with a lot of people in the athletic department.

So, while I am a diehard UK fan (parents met at UK and born in Kentucky), I'm also an Oregon fan. Mitch crushed this hire. The folks in Eugene love Will Stein. I've been texting with a couple people from the university and they are really bummed to see him go. A great offensive mind and great person. Not only does he bring a great football mind but he's worked at a first-class operation the past 3 years. They have the 2nd highest paid GM in college football and brought him in right away when Lanning was hired in 2021...I expect Stein to do the same here and probably be one of the first hires that he makes is finding the perfect GM.

Lanning's first OC has had great success at Arizona State as another young guy hired away. I'm thinking Stein is the next guy. He's young, wants to be here, has a great offensive mind, understands the importance of the GM role in today's world and is the kind of coach you want.

While Mitch has his faults, he's been a pretty good evaluator of hiring football coaches as an AD at Oregon State and UK. He's got 3 our of 4 right so far at the 2 schools. I'm thinking he might have made his 4th successful football hire in 5 chances.

[Pobilly]

This is similar hire to Pope to UK. We have a guy that their family is a UK Family and he will be a good fit. Does not mean L's or W's but will have a shot to get us going again. I will be interested in his DC as we have to have a really good defense to make it in the SEC.

[Helix]

I haven't been posting here long. I was a long time poster on the other board before coming over here in recent months. Most (if not all) probably don't know that I have worked in and around college athletics for the past 25 years at 5 different institutions....including 8 years at the University of Oregon (2008 - 2016). While I didn't work directly in athletics there, I did manage some of the athletic facilities and worked really close with a lot of people in the athletic department.

So, while I am a diehard UK fan (parents met at UK and born in Kentucky), I'm also an Oregon fan. Mitch crushed this hire. The folks in Eugene love Will Stein. I've been texting with a couple people from the university and they are really bummed to see him go. A great offensive mind and great person. Not only does he bring a great football mind but he's worked at a first-class operation the past 3 years. They have the 2nd highest paid GM in college football and brought him in right away when Lanning was hired in 2021...I expect Stein to do the same here and probably be one of the first hires that he makes is finding the perfect GM.

Lanning's first OC has had great success at Arizona State as another young guy hired away. I'm thinking Stein is the next guy. He's young, wants to be here, has a great offensive mind, understands the importance of the GM role in today's world and is the kind of coach you want.

While Mitch has his faults, he's been a pretty good evaluator of hiring football coaches as an AD at Oregon State and UK. He's got 3 our of 4 right so far at the 2 schools. I'm thinking he might have made his 4th successful football hire in 5 chances.

Really appreciate this perspective. Thanks for sharing it with us.

I, too, think this could be an absolute home run hire for UK, and must applaud Mitch and co for getting it done so quickly.

I can't wait for spring ball now!

[Bourbonman]

Great to hear.

[fastkat]