OFFICIAL: Liam Coen leaves Kentucky for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s done is done, folks. Liam Coen is a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

The man who wanted to “plant some roots a little bit, be somewhere for a few years” was in Lexington just one season after making his triumphant return to Kentucky. Now, the Bucs have announced Coen as their new offensive coordinator.

“Welcome to Tampa Bay, coach!” the team said. “We’ve agreed to terms with Liam Coen for offensive coordinator.”

Welcome to Tampa Bay, coach!

We’ve agreed to terms with Liam Coen for offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/EZmrTjG9fs

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 3, 2024

The Buccaneers zeroed in on Coen early Friday morning and spent the rest of the day working toward a deal. Reports surfaced Saturday that an agreement had been made before the official announcement this afternoon.

“We are thrilled to welcome Liam Coen as our new offensive coordinator,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “Throughout the selection process, Liam stood out for his innovative offensive mind, exceptional coaching skills, and the remarkable impact he’s had at every level of his career. We believe his vision and approach to the game will be a tremendous asset to our team, and we look forward to the energy and expertise he brings to our coaching staff.”

Coen joined the Kentucky football program for the first time in 2021 before taking the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator position in 2022. Returning to Lexington in 2023, he’s back in the NFL as a one-and-done with the Cats once again.

The 38-year-old was the 11th-highest-paid assistant coach in all of college football last fall. He was set to make $1.8 million in 2024.

Kentucky’s search for a new offensive coordinator begins now.