Updated Timetable for Kentucky Offensive Coordinator, Transfer Portal QB Search

Kentucky parted ways with Rich Scangarello on Tuesday, the second offensive staffer let go since the end of the 2022 regular season. Do not expect Mark Stoops to hire another offensive coordinator right away.

“I don’t think there is going to be an immediate decision on the offensive coordinator,” KSR’s Matt Jones shared Friday morning. “A couple of the main targets are still involved in their seasons and that complicates things. I still think (Liam) Coen is a/the primary target but there are at least two more big ones as well.”

Kentucky is looking for its fourth offensive coordinator in four years. It took about two weeks for the BBN to learn about Liam Coen and a week or so for Stoops to hire Scangarello. Coen’s name has once again emerged as a top target, but Stoops is not limiting his search to the man who led Kentucky’s 2021 offense.

The Wildcats are also in the market for a quarterback to replace Will Levis. While there are already a couple on the roster, Kentucky will seek out at least one passer from the transfer portal. There have already been some notable quarterbacks who have thrown their name into the portal. Cade McNamara has even announced he will transfer from Michigan to Iowa. Even more will hit the market when the portal opens Monday, Dec. 5.

“The QBs Kentucky is targeting in the portal all know the situation and I don’t think the time it takes to hire an offensive coordinator will affect their decision substantially,” Jones said.

“Kentucky is in good position with at least one QB currently in the portal and one that hasn’t even announced yet.“

He later added, “I know people want names on the OC and the QB transfer but I think they are being held very tightly for a reason… a couple are still with their teams I only know for certain two OC candidate names (one Coen) and one QB transfer name. All would make UK fans very happy.”

Kentucky has options to find a suitable play-caller and quarterback. It will not happen overnight. For now, it’s time for the BBN to let the cake bake. KSR will keep you updated throughout the search for a new offensive coordinator and quarterback.

Last thing on the QB transfer…when Coen came (in January) and brought Will Levis, nearly all of our fans had no idea who either person was…and that ended up great

So I don’t think there is necessarily a huge rush here. The OC change had to be made to keep current players

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 2, 2022