Liam Coen makes first public comments after health scare

Liam Coen will be back on the sidelines for Kentucky against Akron this weekend after suffering a “medical episode,” on Sunday afternoon.

The Wildcats’ offensive coordinator spoke to reporters on Wednesday for the first time after being released from the hospital and making it back to UK’s facilities.

“It was a little bit eventful obviously,” Coen told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “First of all, I want to thank the people. The treatment staff here, athletic department, everybody, for their support, the hospital, just acting quickly. There’s not a ton I remember from the situation but probably just need to sleep better, need to eat better, be a better version of myself in terms of doing the stuff that we ask our players to do from a health standpoint. I think it was a good wake-up call, which is probably a good thing at the end of the day. 

“But I can’t thank enough the BBN, the support, the people outreach, that was really cool. It was really to be at a place that you can tell actually does care. I appreciate that, my family appreciates that, that’s really it.”

Coen was on the sidelines for Kentucky’s Week 2 victory less than 24 hours before the incident occurred. His undisclosed medical episode seemed to happen out of nowhere based on everyone’s reaction.

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops called it a “scary situation,” and that he’s thankful that the football team’s training staff was on hand checking out players for post-game injuries and rehabs.

“I woke up Monday morning pretty good at 8 a.m., ready to go — iPad in hand. Just one of those things,” Coen added. “Kind of a freak thing and I feel really good right now, just trying to take it a bit easier. Maybe it’s better for my life moving forward that I just kinda chill out a little bit. Appreciate everyone’s support and care and concern, but I’m here and I’m good.”

With Coen calling the shots, Kentucky will look to get back on track this Saturday against Akron after an uninspiring 28-17 victory over Eastern Kentucky last weekend. With Florida coming to Kroger Field in Week 4 and then a road trip at No. 1 Georgia the following week — Kentucky can’t get by with poor performances against lesser opponents at this point in the season and it will catch up with them sooner rather than later.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET live on ESPNU.