Kentucky Coach's Wife Darby Stein Known for Fierce Competitiveness

Darby Stein, wife of Kentucky football coach Will Stein, is described as even more competitive than her husband.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Kentucky football coach Will Stein is known for his competitive nature, but his wife Darby is said to be even more competitive. Darby, a former University of Louisville lacrosse player, is described as hating to lose more than she likes to win, whether it's pool volleyball, pickleball, or tennis. Will Stein calls Darby his 'rock' and 'biggest fan', but acknowledges that her competitiveness can sometimes be a challenge, especially when he was still coaching at Oregon while also putting together a staff and roster at UK.

Why it matters

The Steins' dynamic highlights how sports can bring out intense competitiveness in families, even among spouses. Darby's fierce drive to win mirrors her husband's own competitive spirit, which has helped propel his coaching career. Their story provides a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by coaches' families as they navigate the demands of the job.

The details

Darby Stein, the wife of Kentucky football coach Will Stein, is described by those who know the couple as being even more competitive than her husband. Will Stein himself acknowledges that Darby 'hates to lose more than she likes to win' when it comes to activities like pool volleyball, pickleball, and tennis. Darby's competitiveness was on full display during the time when Will was still coaching at Oregon while also putting together a staff and roster at Kentucky, which Darby found challenging as a 'single mother' during that transition period.

  • In 2026, Will Stein was named the new head football coach at the University of Kentucky.
  • Prior to that, Will Stein spent two years as the offensive coordinator at Lake Travis High School in Texas, where the team went 26-4 and made the state semifinals each year.
  • Will Stein then went on to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The players

Will Stein

The head football coach at the University of Kentucky, known for his competitive nature.

Darby Stein

The wife of Kentucky football coach Will Stein, described as being even more competitive than her husband.

Hank Carter

The head football coach at Lake Travis High School in Texas, where Will Stein previously served as offensive coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“Darby and Will complement each other so well but she is super competitive. It can be pool volleyball, pickleball or anything else. She is competing to win. She's very easy going and down to earth, but she likes winning just as much or maybe more than Will does.”

— Hank Carter, Lake Travis High School head football coach (yoursportsedge.com)

“Darby hates to lose more than she likes to win, for sure. So I'm just so thankful for her.”

— Will Stein, Kentucky football head coach (yoursportsedge.com)

“Coaches wives, anybody in sports that is a spouse, it is a tough job just because we are not always there. Everybody thinks we are just having fun, we are just with the boys hanging out, telling jokes in the staff room. But we are working. We are doing stuff that coaches have to do to win.”

— Will Stein, Kentucky football head coach (yoursportsedge.com)

What’s next

There are no clear future newsworthy moments related to this story.

The takeaway

The Steins' dynamic highlights how sports can bring out intense competitiveness in families, even among spouses. Darby's fierce drive to win mirrors her husband's own competitive spirit, which has helped propel his coaching career, but also presents challenges as they navigate the demands of his job.