Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) – December 4, 2025, Hour 1

Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin, Shannon
Location: KS Bar and Grill, Lexington, KY
Main Theme: Reaction to the hiring of new Kentucky football head coach Will Stein; evaluating the transition from Mark Stoops, UK athletics, and leadership.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Kentucky football program’s major coaching transition: the hiring of Will Stein to replace outgoing head coach Mark Stoops. The KSR crew provides their insights and reactions to Stein’s introductory press conference, discusses how the university and athletic department (led by Mitch Barnhart) handled the transition, and fields questions about NIL, recruiting, and the direction of UK athletics. The episode is vibrant, opinionated, and filled with notable quotes and in-depth commentary, reflecting the hosts’ passion for Kentucky sports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Updates: Larry’s Health & Host Reflections

Time: 03:35–06:27

• Larry’s Update: Matt Jones thanks the UK fan community for supporting his dad Larry during his hospital stay in Knoxville.
  • “Thank you all for the literally hundreds, maybe thousands of people who’ve written something kind... He’s still in the hospital in Knoxville... still recovering.” (03:38)
• Matt reflects on the challenge of being a caretaker and missing recent games due to lack of ESPN in the hospital, sharing a personal moment where the Knoxville Symphony played for patients.

2. Will Stein’s Introductory Press Conference & Presence at Rupp Arena

Time: 06:58–13:37

• General Impressions:
  • Stein described as genuine, energetic, and a bit “potty-mouthed” in a way fans appreciate.
  • “Will’s not a rehearsed guy, so it felt natural ... Initially a little nervous, which I get.” — Matt (06:58)
  • “He wants his quarterback to be an MFer – is exactly what he said.” — Ryan (08:03)
• Confidence & Adaptability:
  • Stein addresses the realities of modern college football:
    • “It doesn’t matter whether you all like the new era of college football or not. It is what it is. So we got to go do it.” — Paraphrased by Matt (08:14)
  • Stein openly embraces NIL, the transfer portal, and new expectations, notably stating,
    • “Everyone in the country will want to coach with Will Stein.” — Will Stein as quoted by Matt/Drew (11:23)
  • The crew notes his willingness to set high expectations—not just to win, but to compete for SEC titles and the playoff.

3. Transition from Mark Stoops: Assessment and Grading

Time: 13:37–15:24

• Praise for how the administration managed Stoops’ departure:
  • “I’m proud of how everyone involved has handled this transition from Stoops to this.” — Matt (09:15)
• Mitch Barnhart, UK AD, receives high marks from the crew for quickly landing their first choice for head coach.
  • “You have to grade it an A... he got the one guy who was the top of all our wish list within 24/48 hours.” — Drew (14:00-14:15)
  • “Everybody loves Stein so I’m not going to penalize him for that.” — Ryan (14:20)

4. Stein’s Kentucky Roots and Sincere Passion

Time: 16:17–17:36

• Stein’s background as a lifelong UK fan and personal stories about being starstruck by UK basketball icons (e.g., Tayshaun Prince) endears him to the fans and hosts.
  • “The things he said made you convince you he was a Kentucky fan at heart.” — Drew (16:39)
  • “Jamal Mashburn for me ... is probably Tayshaun Prince for him.” — Matt (16:52)

5. Coaching Staff News and Program Structure

Time: 22:37–23:41

• There is intrigue around whether Stein will call plays directly; staff roles (such as Justin Burke and a new GM) are discussed.
  • “I heard him tell Tom Leach that he’s not going to call the plays...” — Ryan (22:37)
  • The importance of adding a GM in the “new world” of college athletics.
  • Ongoing speculation about recent coaching hires; accolades for retaining skilled position coaches, especially in recruiting (26:25).

6. The NIL Debate and Mitch Barnhart’s Testy Response

Time: 30:00–35:48

• Most Memorable/Controversial Segment
• Discussion focuses on a pointed moment in the press conference when AD Mitch Barnhart is questioned about UK’s NIL resources:
  • “Enough, enough about have we got enough? We’ve got enough and we’re working at it just like everyone else ... We’re not going to break the rules. We will do it the right way ... all this nonsense ... has got to stop. It’s enough.” — Mitch Barnhart (30:41)
• Matt Jones strongly critiques Mitch's public communication style:
  • “As an athletic director, you don’t get to tell people enough or it’s nonsense. That can’t—your answer cannot be just stop talking about it. ... You are the leader of a public institution.” (31:46)
• Matt expands on the unique and potentially problematic structure of UK’s in-house NIL setup with JMI and how communication/lack of transparency leaves fans and media confused.
• The team agrees Mitch’s defensiveness and lack of openness is harming the public perception and, possibly, UK sports’ competitiveness.
  • “Any time he gets challenged on anything, and this wasn’t even challenged, it was a very basic question and he lost it ... he was talking to everyone like they’re three-year-olds.” — Ryan (36:22)

7. Media Dissemination & Transparency Issues

Time: 38:23–40:04

• Criticism of UK Athletics for restricting coverage of the press conference to official partners, with a highlight on the failed stream and lack of accessibility compared to other programs.
  • “Let me tell you something. It’s the only school in the country that does that. ... When we get hired, it’s on the JMI stream and then it doesn’t work.” — Matt (39:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Will’s not a rehearsed guy... It felt like we got natural answers.” — Matt (06:58)
• “He wants his quarterback to be an MFer.” — Ryan (08:03)
• “Everyone in the country will want to coach with Will Stein.” — Matt recounting Stein (11:23)
• “You have to adapt. That’s our expectation, not just our goal.” — Matt on Stein’s philosophy (12:15)
• “You don’t get to tell people enough or it’s nonsense ... you are the leader of a public institution.” — Matt (31:46)
• “Any time he gets challenged on anything, and this wasn’t even challenged, it was a very basic question and he lost it.” — Ryan on Mitch Barnhart (36:22)
• “Let me just give you a final example of why UK Sports is behind in this regard... They didn’t let any of the TV stations broadcast [the press conference].” — Matt (39:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:35–06:27: Matt’s update on father’s health and personal anecdotes
• 06:58–13:37: Initial impressions and reactions to the Will Stein press conference
• 13:37–15:24: Grading the transition from Mark Stoops and praise (or critique) for Mitch Barnhart
• 16:17–17:36: Stein’s Kentucky connections and authentic fan background
• 22:37–23:41: Discussion about staffing, playcalling, and the new GM role
• 30:00–35:48: NIL debate, Mitch Barnhart’s contentious presser moments, and Matt’s lengthy response
• 38:23–40:04: Media restrictions, transparency critique, and broader implications

Tone & Style

The discussion is candid, energetic, and soaked in the hosts’ characteristic Kentucky pride and humor, but also direct when frustration mounts—particularly around athletic department leadership and transparency. Matt’s commentary is pointed and detailed, especially about the administrative and NIL issues.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• You’ll get an in-depth sense of why the new football coach, Will Stein, is exciting fans and the KSR crew.
• Insights into the football program’s transition and the behind-the-scenes processes that made it unusually smooth.
• Candid critique of the university’s administration and the important role that NIL and transparency play in current college sports.
• Highlighted are both the emotional connections these hosts have to UK Sports and their willingness to challenge university leadership when necessary.

End of Summary