Mark Stoops opens up on impact of Kentucky having Liam Coen back

In 2021, the Kentucky offense took a big leap after Liam Coen came in as offensive coordinator. He only held the role for a year, though, as he opted to return to the NFL and the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

Both the Wildcats and the Rams struggled, though. That led him back to Lexington — and Mark Stoops said he’s settling in just fine.

Stoops opened up about Coen’s impact this week, noting his familiarity with the roster and how that plays a role in his transition back to the college level.

“There’s no question, the comfort level with bringing Liam back is there,” Stoops said. “I mean, it’s evident. It’s obvious in our building and with our players because he knows so many of them. But he has that energy. And again, I don’t want to put any and all problems on a previous coach. That’s on me, things that have happened a year ago. The areas where we fell short, a lot of them are within the program. I’ll shoulder that.”

Coen previously led the Wildcats to 32.1 points and 424.1 total yards per game in 2021. Last year, after he left, those numbers dropped to 20.4 points and 324.7 yards per contest to rank last in the SEC. The goal will be to get the new-look offense back to those solid numbers as Devin Leary gets the keys at quarterback.

Stoops said he’s already seeing a difference with the offense — although it’s coming off the field. When Coen became Kentucky’s offensive coordinator the first time in 2021, it was his first Power Five opportunity. He proved he could handle the SEC well, and Stoops said Coen is more confident as he gears up for his second stint in the role.

It’s also why Stoops noticed a little more pep in Coen’s step, and it the headman likes the adjustments the offense is making.

“With Liam, he brings an energy, he brings a confidence,” Stoops said. “The difference is this time, compared to the first go around, is he is proven. He’s proven himself that he can be successful in the SEC. When I hired him the first time, he hadn’t had that proof yet. I believed him or I wouldn’t have hired them. But I think this time, I think you could feel that confidence and I like the creativity. We have to play to our strengths and be adaptable, and he does that very well.”

Coen will have his first chance to show off the new-look Kentucky offense when the Wildcats face Ball State Sept. 2.