Continuity Was Always the Key in Kentucky's Offensive Coordinator Search

It appears that Mark Stoops has found his new offensive coordinator. Word began to spread on Friday that San Francisco 49ers quarterback coach Rich Scangarello will replace Liam Coen. The news supports the notion that the Kentucky head coach was seeking continuity in his search for a new play-caller. 

Continuity can take on many differing forms. Scangarello checks multiple boxes in Stoops’ desire to resume recent trends. The former NFL coach derives from the Kyle Shanahan tree which parallels with Coen’s attack from 2021. Additionally, Scangarello worked with new offensive line coach Zach Yenser in the Bay Area. Alignment between the coordinator and OL leader is paramount. A smooth install and initial systematic management should be seamless. 

It’s too early in the process to know if Scangarello will make terminology changes to the UK offense. I doubt that will happen given that spring practice is set to begin next week. Remember, UK offensive players will have been led by three different coordinators in three seasons; four if you count Vince Marrow in the Gator Bowl. That’s a great deal of variation and exactly why I don’t think there will be overlying change under Scangarello. 

Again, the word of the day is continuity. He inherits quarterback Will Levis who should significantly benefit from the hire. The same can be said of Chris Rodriguez Jr. The outside zone run game didn’t materialize a year ago. Coen inherited a two-deep that was more conducive for the inside zone and gap scheme rushing attack that averaged over 200 yards per game. Expect the Cats to again emphasize the ground game, which can efficiently set up the pass. The avenue of approach to the line of scrimmage may see alterations under the new play-caller. 

Continuity. San Francisco excelled in the power run game and play action with a focus on the tight end position. That approach fits UK’s current personnel. WR/RB/ATH Deebo Samuel starred in 2021. The ultra-versatile playmaker was dynamic. Does UK have a Samuel-type player on its roster? We’ll see. 

What Does All This Mean?  

Many names surfaced and disappeared from the OC search over the past week. One preferred trait remained constant: continuity. Stoops got that with Rich Scangarello. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is that the Cats’ new play-caller has history with new offensive line coach Zach Yenser. Those two positions require alignment and trust. With spring practice rapidly approaching, I’d expect common terminology and scheme to carry over from the Coen year. But, Scangarello is not Liam Coen. He will put his own twist on the Wildcats’ attack.

Continuity. A productive spring practice is the immediate goal. This summer will be vital. Looking ahead, UK won’t have the benefit of easing into its all-so important matchup with the Florida Gators, which takes place in Gainesville on Sept. 10. The week two SEC East game will have seasonal ramifications for both teams. The Wildcats’ offense needs to be operating on all cylinders before the start of the 2022 season. 

First pass indicates that Stoops nailed the hire. Time will tell. Scangarello comes highly recommended according to my NFL contacts. However, the Kentucky offense has a great deal of work to do. There are personnel issues at tackle and a lot of newness at the receiver position. The coordinator will benefit from a rising quarterback and punishing rusher. Best case scenario will be to continue offensive effectiveness that was displayed in the last five games of 2021 when UK averaged 519 yards and 41-points per game. That won’t be easy to do. In the end, Stoops got his guy.