Kentucky announces decision to cancel spring game to change surface at Kroger Field

Kentucky will not have a spring game this year. The Wildcats announced Wednesday the game will not take place due to surface changing at Kroger Field.

Instead, the program will have at least one, and potentially two, open practices for fans to get a sneak peek at this year’s team, according to KSR’s Matt Jones.

Kentucky is coming off a 7-6 overall record and a 3-5 mark in SEC play this past season. The Wildcats are gearing up to see some big changes on the field, notably at quarterback. Will Levis is off to the 2023 NFL Draft and Mark Stoops went into the transfer portal to land NC State transfer Devin Leary to replace him. Leary is the No. 8-ranked transfer and the No. 2 quarterback to enter the portal this cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Kentucky Football officially announces the return of Liam Coen as offensive coordinator

Kentucky also made a big move for its coaching staff, bringing back Liam Coen as offensive coordinator.

Kentucky hired Coen ahead of the 2021 season and was a big part of their 10-3 record that season. The Wildcats averaged 32.3 points per game, which was 36th in the nation and the best under Stoops, behind Coen’s leadership. After just a season, Coen chose to return to the pros and take the OC job for the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.

“Ashley and I are thrilled to be back in Lexington” Coen said in a statement. “I want to thank Coach Stoops and Mitch Barnhart for the amazing opportunity. I also want to thank Coach [Sean] 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!”