Kentucky Officially Announces Return of Liam Coen as Offensive Coordinator

It’s finally officially, official. After patiently waiting for weeks, today the Big Blue Nation finally learned that Liam Coen will return to Kentucky as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator.

A long-time assistant for Sean McVay, he served as the offensive coordinator for the defending Super Bowl Champs during the Rams’ tumultuous, injury-plagued 2022 season. Following an improbable Thursday Night Football victory with Baker Mayfield at the helm, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Dec. 9 that Liam Coen would in fact return to Kentucky. Even after McVay stated publicly that Coen would finish the season with L.A., it did not stop some paranoid UK fans from worrying that he may change his mind. Mark Stoops remained patient, allowing Coen to finish things in L.A. “the right way.” Now the Cats have their guy.

Liam Coen actually signed his new contract with the Wildcats Dec. 12. He will make $1.7 million in 2023 with that number increasing to $1.9 million in the third and final year of his contract in 2025. Before leaving for the Rams, he was given a raise to $1.1 million per year in Jan. 2022.

Coen is the best play-caller of the Mark Stoops era at Kentucky. In ten seasons the Wildcats have produced zero top 50 offenses, with one exception; Kentucky finished No. 21 in offensive efficiency following the 2021 season. He helped turn Will Levis into a future first round draft pick while Wan’Dale Robinson broke single-season Kentucky receiving records en route to a 10-win season.

The cornerstones of Coen’s successful season in Lexington are all gone. Now he’ll be tasked to replicate those results with Devin Leary passing to an array of talented young tight ends and wide receivers. Following an underwhelming 7-6 season, Mark Stoops has made significant changes to re-inject energy back into the Kentucky football program. Liam Coen is the last significant piece of the puzzle.

Statements from Stoops, Coen

Mark Stoops: “I’m very excited to welcome Liam and his family back to Kentucky. It was evident that he made a dramatic impact in the one season he was with our team. He brings a great deal of knowledge, and he also brings an excitement that players and recruits can relate to.”

Liam Coen: “Ashley and I are thrilled to be back in Lexington. I want to thank Coach Stoops and Mitch Barnhart for the amazing opportunity.  I also want to thank Coach 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!”

Liam Coen Resume

Year	Position	School/NFL Team	Postseason
2022	Offensive Coordinator	Los Angeles Rams	N/A
2021	Offensive Coordinator, QBs	Kentucky	Citrus Bowl
2020	Assistant QB Coach	Los Angeles Rams
2018-19	Assistant WR Coach	Los Angeles Rams	Super Bowl (18)
2016-17	Offensive Coordinator, QBs	Maine
2014-15	Pass Game Coord., QBs	UMass
2012-13	Quarterbacks Coach	Brown
2011	Quarterbacks Coach	Rhode Island
2010	Quarterbacks Coach	Brown