Oregon's Will Stein, Tosh Lupoi Named Potential Candidates For Another Head Coach Job

Stein was hired by the Oregon Ducks following the 2022 season and has helped maintain one of the strongest offenses in football. The Ducks' offense entered 2025 with a bit more skepticism, losing quarterback Dillon Gabriel to the NFL, and lacking depth at the wide receiver and tight end positions.

In just three weeks, Stein has built up an explosive offense led by quarterback Dante Moore. Moore entered the season with a lack of playing experience, sitting behind Gabriel for the 2024 season. Moore has stepped into the role quickly to silence doubters and has played at a high level.

It is Stein's success in coaching the offense with several different quarterbacks that makes him a big candidate to watch for.

“Stein has succeeded with Bo Nix at quarterback. He’s succeeded with Dillon Gabriel at QB. And to this point, he’s been successful with Dante Moore,” On3's Pete Nakos wrote. “Unlike most coaches, he probably won’t be limited by geography.”

Before joining Oregon’s coaching staff, Sein has spent time at his alma mater, Louisville, and has coached in Texas. Now being with the Ducks, he has shown he is willing to move to a different area.

With his proven success coaching Oregon’s offense, he will be a candidate to watch to take the Hokies' head coaching position.

Why Lupoi Is A Head Coach Candidate

Lupoi was another coach to join Lanning and the program in 2022 and has helped Oregon have a dominant defensive unit. The Oregon Ducks gave up just 16 points in the first two weeks of the season. Even while giving up 14 points in week 3, the defense held off Northwestern from scoring until the fourth quarter.

Before joining Oregon, Lupoi was on the Alabama staff for five seasons, helping the Crimson Tide reach the College Football Playoff every year. He has also spent time as a coach in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and the Cleveland Browns.

Since 2022, Lupoi has helped build one of the most dominant and consistent defensive units in college football. His next step could be taking a head coaching position. Having a consistently strong defense has shown that Lupoi can lead a unit to success, making him a candidate for the Virginia Tech Hokies as they seek their next head coach.

Stein and Lupoi are only names to watch, as there is no indication that Virginia Tech will hire either, nor is it confirmed that they will leave Oregon for a head coaching position. For now, the two are focused on helping the Oregon Ducks reach the CFP, and potentially the national championship.