Liam Coen hire signals offensive philosophy shift

Los Angeles Rams assistant quarterback coach Liam Coen will soon take over the Kentucky Wildcat offense. Tuesday’s news came less than 24 hours prior to the December National Signing Day.

Coen’s hire indicates an offensive philosophical change. Do NOT expect the Air Raid; won’t work in the SEC. Coen’s scheme is of the NFL approach and projected to mirror that of the Rams. This scheme fits current and future personnel in Lexington. UK’s present strength lies with running back Chris Rodriquez and tight ends Keaton Upshaw, Brenden Bates and Jordan Dingle. Receiver help is on the way; trust me on that. Snaps under center, multiple tight end sets, creative bootleg game, bunch sets, motions and shifts, and reliance on the run to set up the pass are all identifiers of the Sean McVay system.

In an overview, Coen’s expected scheme is more similar to Alabama than Mississippi State. The Rams maintain balance and have rushed for 1,676 yards in 13 games. It averages 4.2 yards per carry and has scored 19 touchdowns on the ground. Quarterback Jared Goff is completing 68.2% of his passes for 3,509 yards and 18 touchdowns. The LA Rams’ top five pass catchers include two slot receivers and two tight ends. Goff’s play-faking and bootleg game is one of the best in the NFL.

It’s time. It really is. Kentucky’s venture into modernizing its offensive scheme was made out of necessity. Finishing last in the SEC’s passing offense category in three consecutive years won’t cut it in today’s environment. The Cats’ aerial game inefficiencies were impacting recruiting and fan base excitement. The SEC is evolving into an offensive league. Mark Stoops had to adapt, and it appears that he has done so in a manner that fits his personality.

Yes, there will be more downfield passes. Yes, the tight ends will be utilized more. Yes, the offense will average more than 124 pass yards per game. Yes, Rodriguez will get more touches. These are all boxes that the BBN wanted checked in a new offensive coordinator. But, don’t expect the Cats to go away from the physical running game. Chris Rodriguez is one of the top backs in the SEC but only averaged 12 rushing attempts per game in 2020. That number is mind-blowingly low. How? Why? He had four more rushing attempts than quarterback Terry Wilson in the 2020 season. That alone should have prompted a deep dive into play calling.

Projection at the offensive coordinator position worked for LSU. Former Saints assistant Joe Brady revamped the Tiger attack that underwent a tremendous evolution. Sure, Stoops could have gone with a proven entity. But, would that have been an upgrade over Eddie Gran with an amped up passing attack? I don’t think so. Mark Stoops made a tough decision when he fired Eddie Gran. Stoops is a loyal man. They were friends. But, it was time.

I like the hire. I like the direction.