Jaguars expected to offer head coaching job to Liam Coen, while Kentucky football's offense flounders

Update

Liam Coen has removed himself from consideration for the head coaching job in Jacksonville per ESPN.

Liam Coen, a name synonymous with offensive innovation, is making headlines once again as reports suggest he is a leading candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coaching position. Known for his transformative stints at Kentucky and success in the NFL, Coen has built a reputation as one of the most sought-after minds in football.

Coen's Time at Kentucky: A Tale of Two Tenures

Coen’s impact on Kentucky football is undeniable. In 2021, during his first stint as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator, he orchestrated a prolific offense that averaged 425.4 yards and 22.8 first downs per game. Kentucky’s balanced attack—225.6 passing yards and 199.8 rushing yards per game—led to a 10-win season and a Citrus Bowl victory.

After a year with the Los Angeles Rams, where he gained even more knowledge of what it takes to be a head coach, Coen returned to Kentucky in 2023. Despite facing roster challenges, he managed to guide the Wildcats’ offense to a respectable finish, one that was significantly more efficient than seasons without his leadership.

Without Coen in 2024, Kentucky’s offense struggled mightily under Mark Stoops, averaging just 330.4 yards per game and posting lower passing efficiency at 184.8 yards per game with a 53.5% completion rate. These numbers reinforce the notion that Coen’s offensive expertise was the driving force behind Kentucky’s success.

NFL Success: A Launchpad for Bigger Roles

Following his second stint at Kentucky, Coen returned to the NFL, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their offensive coordinator. Widely regarded as one of the best in the league, Coen’s innovative play-calling and ability to develop quarterbacks caught the attention of NFL front offices. His ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure environments has positioned him as a top candidate for head coaching roles.

The Case for Coen in Jacksonville

The Jaguars’ rumored interest in Coen comes as no surprise. With a young, talented roster and a desire to elevate their offensive production, with Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville could benefit immensely from Coen’s expertise. His ability to maximize talent, both in the run game and passing attack, aligns perfectly with the roster of the Jags.

For Coen, this opportunity would mark the culmination of years of hard work, from revitalizing Kentucky’s offense to earning respect as one of the brightest minds in the NFL.

Kentucky Without Coen: A Stark Contrast

While Coen’s career trajectory continues to ascend, his departure has left Kentucky football in a familiar predicament. Under Mark Stoops, the Wildcats’ offense has consistently struggled when not helmed by Coen. Even with Liam the team failed to produce a 3,000-yard passer, and without him they do not even come close.

The inability of Stoops-led offenses to replicate Coen’s success highlights a larger issue for Kentucky football: the program’s struggles to develop and maintain a dynamic offense with or without an elite play-caller.

Conclusion

Liam Coen’s rise from Kentucky’s offensive coordinator to a likely NFL head coach underscores his exceptional talent and adaptability. While his departure has left a void in Lexington, his success is a testament to what he brought to the program. As he prepares to take the reins of an NFL franchise, Kentucky fans can take pride in knowing they played a pivotal role in the career of one of football’s brightest stars.

They also have to hope Mark Stoops does something he has yet to do without Liam Coen, produce a fun and innovative offense that scores a lot of points. Next year's schedule is a brutal one, and the offense will need to be really, really good.