Will Stein's time at SEC Media Days did nothing but further convince the Big Blue Nation of the system he's quickly installed at Kroger Field. Stein hasn't shied away from the lofty expectations of Kentucky fans one bit, sharing on multiple occasions his desire to take this program to the national tip-top.
But not everyone is in on Stein, at least not those beyond the bounds of Lexington. His incoming first season has been widely doubted by onlookers who, above all else, simply don't see the success coming that quickly. But Nick Saban believes in Stein, so who cares what anyone else thinks?
First reported by On3's Daniel Hager, Saban touched on the whole batch of new SEC coaches at SEC Media Days. As he cycled through the long list, the modern coaching legend took a second to dwell on Stein, expressing confidence in his first go at being a head coach.
Nick Saban's Confidence in Will Stein Means the World
"Will Stein has Kenny Minchey from Notre Dame, who almost won the quarterback job at Notre Dame. He’s a pretty good player," Saban began, citing one of the biggest points of emphasis for Kentucky Football this offseason.
"He [Stein] likes his offensive line, so he’s got some pieces. He’s not been a head coach, and he’s coming from being a coordinator. But, very successful. I’m sure he’ll be successful.”
Saban was no stranger to Kentucky Football during his time coaching at Alabama (he went a sad 6-0 against the Wildcats), so he knows what this program looks like operating below the hoped-for line.
Stein's undeniable inexperience in the head-coaching role has drummed up a tad bit of worry amonst the BBN, but if Nick Saban is here to tell you not to worry about it, then... well, you get the idea. If a seven-time champion hall-of-famer likes Will Stein, then really nobody has an excuse not to.
No Excuse Not to Like Will Stein
At least, not until he coaches a game at Kroger Field.
It may be true that Stein's first season flies a little under the radar compared to what's to come under him as a head coach in the future; after all, he only started building his current team in December, and even the best coaches take a little time to settle into a new role.
But Cats fans have surveyed Stein's reputation time and time again. This is one of the most accomplished play-callers in the entire sport and, with the specific heart he's got for Lexington, it's hard to imagine a better immediate fit.
I would say Kentucky Football fans aren't expecting a national title, but I'm not convinced that's the case. These folks want it all, and since Stein has done nothing to quell those wants, why not shoot for the stars? Especially with the pat on the back from Saban, Coach Stein has the world at his feet right now.
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