Liam Coen’s reputation as an elite offensive mind continues to grow, thanks to his stellar work as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season. Kentucky’s Vince Marrow, currently linked with a potential move to UNC, recently took to Twitter to praise Coen, saying, “Dude is really good.” For Big Blue Nation, this admiration from Marrow reinforces what Kentucky fans already know: Coen is a rising star and they wish he had stayed:
Dude is really good.
— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) December 16, 2024
After two one year stops with the Wildcats, including a pivotal role in their 2021 offensive resurgence, Coen returned to the NFL. This season, the Buccaneers have thrived under his guidance, with the offense ranking fourth in the league at 28.8 points per game. The team has scored 47 touchdowns, a testament to Coen’s ability to maximize talent and innovate in key moments with great playcalls. Worth noting the red zone struggles Kentucky had this year.
The numbers back up the hype too. Tampa Bay boasts 5,437 total offensive yards, averaging 5.3 yards per play. On the ground, they’ve racked up 2,021 rushing yards with an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. In the air, the Buccaneers have been just as efficient, with 3,622 passing yards and an average of 7.8 yards per attempt. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is enjoying a career renaissance under Coen’s guidance, throwing for 3,617 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Bucs cannot lose Liam Coen gotta keep him in Tampa some way pic.twitter.com/aKJRu9pJxY
— Ssj Buc Wallace (@SsjWallace) December 16, 2024
This success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Coen’s name has surfaced in discussions for potential head coaching jobs, with analysts praising his ability to craft balanced, explosive offenses. His work in Tampa Bay has shown he’s more than capable of adapting to the NFL’s fast-paced demands, making his decision to return to the league seem like a masterstroke.
Bucs OC Liam Coen should absolutely be on every teams NFL head coach short list.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 16, 2024
Top 5 offense in every major category & put up 37 points today vs one of best defenses in football
For Kentucky fans, Coen’s journey is bittersweet. While they’d love to see him back in Lexington, it’s clear he’s destined for even greater heights. Vince Marrow’s praise is just the latest confirmation that Liam Coen is one of the brightest minds in football, and his rise is far from over.