Kentucky Wildcats News

Friday Headlines: Importance of Liam Coen Edition

Who else is excited about the return of Liam Coen?

By John Morgan Francis@MonJorgan Jul 21, 2023, 6:40am EDT

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Before the Kentucky Wildcats played a snap last season, there was an incredible amount of preseason hype surrounding Will Levis and the anticipation of the quarterback putting together what many expected to be a sensational season.

Levis was coming off a very good first year with the Wildcats, where he had NFL Draft pick Wan’Dale Robinson to throw to and NFL offensive coordinator Liam Coen calling his plays. Levis lost both to the NFL, as Robinson was drafted by the Giants and Coen returned to the Rams.

Needless to say, Levis wasn’t near as efficient in 2022 as he was the year before. Fans oftentimes found themselves pulling their hair out as Levis held onto the ball for too long or as new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello tried to overthink the offense.

Kentucky then lost Levis to the NFL draft, where he was selected in the top of the second round by the Tennessee Titans after one of the most stunning draft falls in recent memory.

In a nutshell, 2022 was frustrating. But 2023 is looking more promising by the minute as Coen returns and transfer quarterback Devin Leary enters the huddle.

“Bringing Liam back is a very big deal for us,” Stoops said of Coen at SEC Media Days. “You go back a couple of years ago, and you see the immediate impact that he had with our offense and the energy and the juice that he had within our building, but he was still, at that point, relatively unproven. He had been a tremendous coach but had not called plays in the SEC or in the Power Five, but he came in and did that and did a heck of a job.”

The Wildcats also have second-year receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key, both ready to take a huge leap. Tayvion Robinson returns as the veteran of the group, and the Wildcats have several other key pieces on offense who should help contribute to Coen’s scheme.

What’s most important with Coen is he gets the ball to the right players. He makes sure the team’s best playmakers have their share of opportunities throughout the game. That in itself will give Kentucky the chances they need to compete for a 10-win season in the Southeastern Conference.

Tweet of the Day

If these No. 1 overall picks teamed up from each decade, who wins? pic.twitter.com/9E8LGs9tXa
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 20, 2023

Which decade are you going with?

Headlines

Remembering Mike Cyrus, beloved Kentucky photographer - KSR

The UK sports world is mourning one of its own. Mike Cyrus, a Kentucky fan and sports photographer, passed away from cancer on Wednesday at the age of 51.

Justin Edwards shows he's 'the guy' at FIBA Globl Jam - CatsPause

"I thought it was clear that Justin Edwards is the guy when you start talking about that freshman class."

'Very big deal': Return of Liam Coen gives the Kentucky offense some needed juice - KSR

The buzz is palpable for Liam Coen's return. The Kentucky football program is excited about the offense again in 2023.

Even For Alabama, Recruiting Has Now Become Global - Vaught’s Views

It’s amazing.

Vikings Jordan Addison cited for going 140 in 55 mph zone - ESPN

Yikes.

Stoops Still Believes Titans Made Smart Pick Taking Levis - Vaught’s Views

Will we see him start for Tennessee this season?

Dan Snyder fined $60M over findings in investigation - ESPN

Pocket change, though.