Will Stein details value of working with an experienced quarterback

Will Stein is now in his second season as the offensive coordinator of the Oregon Ducks. In both 2023 and 2024, he’ll have had very experienced quarterbacks running his offense in Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel.

While making an appearance on Andy Staples On3, Stein broke down and detailed the value of working with an experienced quarterback.

“I think just the conversations on a day-to-day basis are upper level,” Will Stein said. “It’s like teaching a grad student basic level algebra. The conversations are well thought out. They usually come very prepared to work. When you think about Bo, on a daily basis it was unlike anyone else I’d ever been around.”

Will Stein inherited Bo Nix when he got to Oregon. Nix had already been with the program for one season, working with offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham. Prior to that, he was a three-year starter for the Auburn Tigers. Together, the two put up massive numbers, with Nix completing 77.4 percent of passes for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He also ran for 234 yards and six touchdowns.

Now, Dillon Gabriel comes in with five seasons of experience. He’s been a starter since 2019 when he was a freshman at UCF. Since then, he’s also been a two-year starter at Oklahoma, playing in offenses under Josh Heupel, Gus Malzahn, and Jeff Lebby along the way. He also has 14,865 career passing yards and 125 touchdown passes.

“Dillon has exceeded all expectations in that facet of his game as his preparation not only on the field but off the field,” Stein said. “His film study, the way he takes care of his body, it’s truly like coaching a pro. I’ve never been in the NFL but I imagine this is as close as it’s gonna get coaching these veteran quarterbacks in college as it’s going to be in the NFL.”

Prior to his own time at Oregon, Will Stein made several stops in both the high school and college ranks in the state of Texas, including as the offensive coordinator at UTSA. He, himself, was a quarterback during his playing days at Louisville.

“So, very fortunate to have been around guys that are veteran,” Stein said. “It definitely makes us a better offense.”

Now, with Oregon moving into the Big Ten and hoping to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff, the quarterback position is going to be vital. The Ducks hope that Dillon Gabriel can lead the team as well as Bo Nix and help get them over that hump.