Liam Coen Back Like He Never Left UK FB, Will OC & QB Coach

The University of Kentucky’s head football coach, Mark Stoops, has announced the return of Liam Coen as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Wildcats. Coen previously served in the same role at Kentucky during the 2021 season before spending one year as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Stoops expressed his excitement about Coen’s return, saying, “It was evident that he made a dramatic impact in the one season he was with our team. He brings a great deal of knowledge, and he also brings an excitement that players and recruits can relate to.”

During Coen’s tenure at Kentucky in 2021, the team ranked among the top in the Southeastern Conference in several offensive categories. The Wildcats finished fifth in scoring offense (32.3 points per game) and eighth in total offense (425.2 yards per game), including fifth in rushing offense (199.5 yards per game). Coen’s guidance also helped quarterback Will Levis finish sixth in the SEC in passing yards with 2,826. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson also had impressive seasons, finishing second in the SEC in rushing and receiving yards, respectively.

The team ended the 2021 regular season with a 10-3 record and a win in the Governor’s Cup against in-state rival Louisville. They also edged Iowa in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl.

Coen stated his excitement in returning to Kentucky, saying, “Ashley and I are thrilled to be back in Lexington. I want to thank Coach Stoops and Mitch Barnhart for the amazing opportunity. I also want to thank Coach McVay for his mentorship and guidance and the Rams organization for their support throughout this process. I can’t wait to get to work in helping lead the UK offense and bring a championship to Big Blue Nation!”

Prior to Kentucky, Coen spent three years on the Rams’ staff from 2018-2020. He served as the assistant wide receivers coach in 2018 and 2019 before taking on the role of assistant quarterbacks coach in 2020. During his time in L.A., he helped Jared Goff post his fourth consecutive season with over 3,800 passing yards. In 2019, Coen helped the receiving unit produce two 1,000-yard receivers for the second consecutive season.

Coen also has experience as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Maine, where he mentored quarterback Dan Collins who eventually played for the Buffalo Bills and in the Canadian Football League. Coen also spent time as the pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Massachusetts where he mentored First-Team All-Mid-American Conference QB Blake Frohnapfel.

The return of Coen to Kentucky is a major win for the program and its fans. Coen’s track record of success and ability to mentor quarterbacks bodes well for the team’s future. With his leadership, the team will look to continue to be one of the top offenses in the SEC and bring a championship to Big Blue Nation.

Liam Coen’s Coaching Career