Mark Stoops Has Coordinated a Productive Offseason

The 2022 Kentucky Football season is one that could be best categorized by Jerry Claiborne’s “Ole Iff’n Game.” Mark Stoops had an NFL quarterback with future pro receivers and an all-timer at running back. That rare personnel combination didn’t match with a new offensive line. The results were minimal under offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello. Unpredictable circumstances also plagued the play-caller. Will Levis had multiple injuries and a limited scheme. Chris Rodriguez Jr. missed the first four games of the season. In all, the Cats managed a mere 22 points and 336 total yards per game. Both numbers were last in the SEC. Red Zone turnovers and inefficiencies were abound after Kentucky managed to score touchdowns on a lowly 53% of their trips inside the 20-yard line. 

The defense constructed a much more positive and different outcome under Brad White. The Cats allowed 19 points and 320 total yards per contest. Both numbers rank third in the SEC. Kentucky’s defense was spectacular for the vast majority of 2022 while battling injuries to several game-one starters. Brad White is one of the top defensive coordinators in the nation. Keeping him in Lexington is, and remains, a top priority for Mark Stoops. With White in charge, the defense is projected to be one of the best in the league regardless of personnel turnover. 

Special teams were anything but special this season. The field goal team finished the year 16/24. This number was boosted by a 4/4 performance against Louisville in the Governor’s Cup. Snapping issues were common. Former RB coach John Settle also had the title of special teams coordinator and was let go at the season’s end. Enter Jay Boulware. The experienced Power 5 assistant coach has vast capability in the third phase as a coordinator which should lead to more favorable results on the field.

Vince Marrow is a top-level recruiting coordinator and the best recruiter in program history. True freshmen Deone Walker, Dane Key, and Barion Brown have garnered postseason honors. Fellow rookies Josh Kattus, Keaten Wade, and Alex Afari also played significant roles. Redshirt freshmen Jordan Dingle, Jordan Lovett, and Jager Burton have also received praise and honors following the 2022 season. Marrow is an exceptional recruiting coordinator and invaluable to Mark Stoops. 

On Friday reports began to surface about Liam Coen returning to Lexington to resume his duties as Stoops’ offensive coordinator. That news was met with an outpouring of excitement and relief from the Big Blue Nation. Coen’s lone season at UK shaped 32 points and 424 yards of offense per outing. One aspect of Coen’s direction that led to victories was the Wildcats’ success in the Red Zone in 2021. Coen’s scheme manufactured touchdowns on 73% of the Cats’ trips to the Red Zone. Overall, Coen was a bright star on the sidelines that attracted transfers such as Will Levis and the signing of receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key. 

What Does All This Mean? 

There are three phases of the football game: offense, defense, and special teams. Only one (defense) lived up to the billing while the other two were less than ideal in 2022. Retaining defensive coordinator Brad White is essential. He’s directed four units that have finished in the SEC’s Top 5 in total defense. White has been wonderful. Talent-wise, the Cats have overachieved by executing a disciplined, well-planned system led by an active staff that specializes in player development. 

Liam Coen’s name has been on the BBN’s wish list since the firing of Rich Scangarello. Coen appears to be coming home to Lexington. This move brings on excitement both within and outside of the Joe Craft Football Training Center. Transfer Portal and high school recruiting decisions will reflect future players’ opinions on playing for a coach that has served as an NFL play-caller. It felt as if Kentucky was allergic to the end zone under Scangarello; that is certain to change under Liam Coen. 

Penalties, missed opportunities, and other catastrophic errors surrounded the Kentucky special teams in 2022. Overall, the third phase appeared to lack direction and efficiency. Jay Boulware offers a potential answer to that problem. Again, this hire exudes confidence in a unit that lacked sureness in critical junctures of games. Turnovers and special teams are the two most prevalent keys to victories in the Southeastern Conference. Both have the probability to be improved in 2023. 

Coordinators are ultra-important. 2022 showed us that. Mark Stoops is at his best when developing assistants and coaching the coaches. He now has capable leaders in all three phases to go along with recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow. The future is bright for the Wildcats as they enter the December Signing Day and Transfer Portal timeframe.