"I can't thank enough the BBN." Liam Coen sends love to Kentucky fans following medical event

Kentucky football offensive coordinator Liam Coen is back on the field and ready to coach his team this weekend against the Akron Zips. Following a medical emergency on Sunday that sent Coen to the hospital, he now intends to coach on Saturday night at Kroger Field. The OC says his unexpected episode was a good “wake-up call”, but more than anything, he was incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support he received from staff members at UK and the entire Kentucky fan base.

“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 also sent out a social media post on Tuesday night to emphasize how much he felt the Big Blue Nation’s support and love. Even head coach Mark Stoops got a bit emotional when talking about Coen’s situation during Monday’s press conference.

My family and I thank you for all the support and prayers these past couple of days. The #BBN community is truly amazing. I’m doing much better, thankful for the care I received at UK Chandler Hospital, and can’t wait to see you Saturday at Kroger Field — Go Cats!

— Liam Coen (@LiamCoen) September 12, 2023

Coen, who said he’s never gone through anything like this before, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday and was released on Tuesday morning. The offense typically meets with the media following practices on Tuesday, but defensive coordinator Brad White stepped in his place to give Coen another day to settle back in. That being said, Coen was already eager to get back in the groove on Monday.

“Yesterday, I was back out here yesterday,” Coen said of when he returned to the team. “I woke up Monday morning pretty good at 8 a.m., ready to go — iPad in hand. Just one of those things. 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.”

That’s music to all of the BBN’s ears. Kentucky will take on Akron this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPNU.