Report: Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen leaving for Los Angeles Rams
.jpg "Coach Liam Coen UK Football Training Camp 2021")
Liam Coen might be a one-and-done at Kentucky.
Coen, Kentucky’s offensive coordinator, is joining the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator, according to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Coen spent three seasons with the Rams, including the last one as an assistant quarterbacks coach, before being named as UK’s offensive coordinator in December 2020.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman reported that Coen has been offered the Rams’ offensive coordinator job but “right now there is no deal in place.”
Over the last several weeks Coen’s name popped up as a leading candidate for the job left vacant by Kevin O’Connell, who was hired as the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach. The Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the Super Bowl on Feb. 6.
Coen in his first season at Kentucky was tasked with bringing “balance” to an offense that was previously dominated by the run. While the rushing game still figured heavily in UK’s scheme, the Wildcats attempted 123 more passes in 2021 versus 2020 (366 to 243) and, more importantly, were more efficient and productive in their passing attack; starter Will Levis threw for more than 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2021, far outpacing Terry Wilson’s 1,187 yards and seven touchdowns the year before. Kentucky in 2020 finished 115th in total offense despite fielding the nation’s 35th best rushing offense; it was 47th in total offense in 2021 and 36th in scoring. Kentucky ended No. 25 in rushing and No. 71 in passing in Coen’s first season.
This story was originally published February 21, 2022 at 10:02 AM.
