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Looking at Kentucky’s Options for Offensive Coordinator

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2 years ago

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UK Athletics

Despite having a first-round quarterback prospect, a record-breaking running back, and some explosive young receivers, the Kentucky offense finished last in the SEC in terms of yards per game (336.3) and points per game (22.1).

This led Mark Stoops to make a change at offensive coordinator just 36 hours after the Louisville game, firing Rich Scangarello. With the opening, Stoops has voiced his excitement and optimism about what this could bring to the program.

However, he is in no rush and is looking for the “right guy”, understanding Kentucky cannot afford to make a failed second hire. Stoops said that he has talked to “several guys” and suggested that the search may be towards its end.

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With that said, let’s examine some of the reported options that Kentucky has at offensive coordinator.

Liam Coen

Current Position: Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Most Recent Career History: Kentucky OC (2021); LA Rams QB coach, assistant WR coach (2020, 2018-19); Maine OC (2017-18)

Why not hire someone that has already proven himself in the same exact role?

In 2021, Liam Coen inherited a Kentucky team that ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring and last in yards per game the season before. Coen overhauled the run-heavy offense and the Wildcats finished 5th in scoring and 8th in yards per game in his lone season.

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His work at Kentucky earned him the offensive coordinator position with the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, where he spent three seasons as a QB/WR coach. However, the Rams have been plagued with injuries and are just 3-9.

With one more loss, the Rams would be taken out of playoff contention, which could open the door for a Coen return to Kentucky.

While there are many reports that acknowledge there is interest on both sides for a Coen return, and it may even be the most probable result, there are logistics that still need to be worked out. If they do, look for an announcement as soon as Friday.

Gino Guidigli

Current Position: Cincinnati Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Most Recent Career History: Cincinnati QB coach, RB coach (2018-2021, 2017); Central Michigan RB coach (2013-16)

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While Coen is the favorite to land the job, Stoops has some backup options, and that includes of one the best quarterbacks in Kentucky high school history, Gino Guidigli.

Originally from Northern Kentucky, Guidugli has strong ties to the state after playing for Fort Thomas Highlands, winning three state championships from 1998-2000 and setting multiple records. Guidugli went on to play for the University of Cincinnati, where is currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

While only in the OC position for one season Guidigli had a solid first year, as the Bearcats finished 9-3 in the regular season. However, he may be better known for helping develop Desmond Ridder, a four-year starter for the Bearcats into the third QB taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Given that Coen and Guidigli are the two reported names, they seem to be two of the front runners. However, do not count out names like Brian Hartline (Ohio State WR coach), Rob Calabrese (NY Jets QB coach), and Brennan Marion (Texas WR coach).

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Kentucky Athletic Collectives Rank 11th of 16 Teams in SEC, Bring in over $11 Million

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2 weeks ago

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December 10, 2024

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Kentucky ranks 11th of 16 SEC teams in collective fundraising.
Jordan Prather | Imagn

For better or for worse of college sports, NIL is here to stay and it certainly gives an advantage to schools with more money. Just looking at the SEC alone, collectives raised more than $200 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Unfortunately, Kentucky is ranked in the lower half of that.

According to documents from the House v. NCAA proposed settlement, Kentucky raised $11,254,204 from athletics collectives for the 2023-24 fiscal year. That ranks 11th of the 15 public universities in the SEC and is just more than half of the top collective, Texas who raised over $22 million.

Full Rankings

Rank
School NameCollective Funding
1Texas22,272,474
2LSU20,137,141
3Georgia18,326,566
4Texas A&M17,228,714
5Alabama15,995,406
6Florida15,802,237
7Oklahoma14,817,595
8Tennessee11,602,164
9Auburn11,588,953
10Arkansas11,544,039
11Kentucky11,254,204
12S. Carolina9,554,700
13Ole Miss8,872,378
14Missouri7,146,859
15Mississippi St.6,467,166
NRVanderbiltNot Available (Private School)

While collective funding is low, Kentucky has been a top 20 athletic program in total revenue, partly thanks to being a school that profits from its basketball program. Looking ahead to 2025, Kentucky is expected to stay in the top 20 nationally in athletic revenue, fifth in the SEC by bringing in an estimated 131,139,792. Ahead of programs like Georgia, LSU, Florida, and Tennessee.

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With revenue sharing coming in the near future, even more money is going to be involved in roster and program building. Schools in the Big Ten and SEC have an even bigger advantage due to their new TV deals, giving them up to an extra $70 million or more.

A new era of college sports is here. It’s time to prepare and embrace it.

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Kentucky Wide Receiver Calls for “A Lot” More Leadership and Accountability from Staff

Published

3 weeks ago

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December 2, 2024

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Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops walks onto the field before the game against the Louisville Cardinals.
Jordan Prather | Imagn

A poor offensive line. Inconsistent quarterback play. A lot of things led to Kentucky football’s abysmal 2024 season. However, they had the talent to finish better than 4-8, only defeating one power opponent this season. So what could have helped?

Kentucky wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin was asked that question after the Wildcats’ loss to Louisville on Saturday. To his credit, he answered honestly and professionally.

“A lot more leadership,” Maclin said. “Holding guys accountable for things. A lot more discipline for all the guys… All around, players and coaches. We’re still a team, I don’t want to point at any one person or specific group. All around we need better leadership.”

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Maclin is a junior and could return for another season. Despite talking about Kentucky taking the next step, he has not made his decision and will be returning home to talk to his family to do so. If Maclin does return, it sounds like Kentucky will have a leader in the receiving room.

Despite being a 1,000-yard receiver at North Texas, Maclin was not targeted often. However, on his 13 receptions, he caught four for touchdowns, the most of any receiver on the team.

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Kentucky Player Seen At Concession Stand During Kentucky’s 41-14 Loss to Louisville

Published

3 weeks ago

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December 2, 2024

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A Kentucky football player was seen at buying food from the concession stand in Kentucky's 41-14 loss to Louisville.

Kentucky’s on-field product against Louisville was poor to say the least, sending 99% of Wildcat fans home early. It even sent an injured player from the sideline to get a snack…

Yes, offensive lineman Gerald Mincey, one of Kentucky’s most expensive transfer portal additions, was seen at one of the concession stands at Kroger Field during Kentucky’s 41-14 defeat.

Watching a 4-8 team is bad, but even worse to do on an empty stomach.

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Mincey is a senior and will not be returning next season, but it is nice to see him reinvesting some money back into the program.

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