'Like he never left': Familiarity with Liam Coen could create fast start for Kentucky

Mark Stoops did not waste much time to make a seismic change in his Kentucky football program after the 2022 regular season ended. Word quickly got out that Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen was the No. 1 target for the Wildcats.

Unfortunately, there was a long waiting period to get through before that hire could occur. The Rams had to finish their season before Coen could make the move back to Lexington in mid-January. There was a thought that could put the offense behind as it goes through another play-calling transition in 2023.

That is not the case.

“I think the familiarity definitely helps,” Stoops told the media on Monday when asked about the current offensive transition.

Due to the Rams making a run to the Super Bowl to end the 2021 season, Coen was not re-hired by Sean McVay until the end of February. That meant the replacement play-caller (Rich Scangarello) didn’t get on campus until just days before spring practice started. This time around, UK had some better timing on their side despite the late hire.

That familiarity and comfortability are leading to some good things for the program as Kentucky begins spring practice.

“A definite comfort level I really enjoy. That part of it is almost like he never left,” Stoops said about Liam Coen. “He has that type of personality where he’s always in the staff room, it’s always open door. He’s never in his office. I bet you he didn’t even unpack. He sits in the staff room because guys are in there, they’re always collaborating and talking and watching film. Players are in there. It’s a good environment. It’s fun.”

Due to a recent rule change, coaches are allowed to work with players in-person with a football to go through some install periods before spring practice begins. That allows for a quicker transition once out on the field. That showed up big-time on day one as the Cats are looking bounce back from a woeful offensive performance in 2022.

“It was evident today as we were further along than you would have anticipated,” Stoops said. “Really good start.”

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Learning from difficult situations

Sometimes it takes a stressful situation in your life to make real growth. The same thing can be true in sports.

Things did not go well for the Los Angeles Rams just one year after winning the Super Bowl. The NFC West franchise finished with a losing record (5-12) for the first time under Sean McVay as the offense finished No. 27 in points per game (18.1), No. 27 in yards per rush (4.0), No. 29 in yards per pass attempt (5.9), No. 31 in sack rate (10.0%), and No. 31 in yards per play (4.8). The NFL has 32 teams.

The Rams had a litany of injury issues causing all kinds of problems. All-Pro wideout and Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp missed eight games. Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford also missed eight games. The Rams were also forced to use a plethora of offensive line combinations after losing multiple starters to free agency and retirement.

Liam Coen was dealt a rough hand in a non-play-calling position. Mark Stoops believes those situations can be unavoidable.

“You’ve heard me talk a lot — even last year — about scars and learning. You learn from all those years of getting burned,” Stoops said.

“I think just dealing with that type of pressure and stress and trying to find solutions. Trying to find answers in that league with the injuries they have. It does nothing but help you and help you grow.”

Kentucky will be hoping that career growth will lead to big things at Kroger Field as the Wildcats need an offensive resurgence with a brand new quarterback taking the snaps in 2023.