Connect with us

Football

Looking at Kentucky’s Options for Offensive Coordinator

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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)

Advertisement

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).

Advertisement

Football

Louisville Football Player Charged With First-Degree Strangulation, Days After Committing Game Losing Personal Foul

Published

on

Louisville Cardinals defensive back Tayon Holloway (20) reacts to his defensive play.
Eric Canha | Imagn

On Monday, Louisville football defensive back Tayon Holloway was detained and charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault.

This comes just days after the former four-star prospect committed a costly personal foul to put a 2-7 Stanford team in field goal range and upset Louosillve 38-35 with a walk-off field goal.

As expected, Holloway has been indefinitely suspended from the team.

Advertisement

“The University of Louisville is aware of the arrest of football student-athlete Tayon Holloway,” the university said in a statement. “As we gather more information, Tayon has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.”

Things Cardinals seem to be in a downward trend as the Commonwealth Cup nears, November 30th.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Kentucky snaps four game losing streak defeats Murray State 48-6

Published

on

Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops talking to Murray State football coach Jody Wright.
Jordan Prather | Imagn

Kentucky gets a much-needed victory over Murray St 48-6 to snap its four-game losing Streak. Brock Vandagriff led the way for the Cats, going 12-19 for 183 passing yards and two touchdown passes to Hardley Gilmore IV and Ja’Mori Maclin. 48 Points is the most points Kentucky has scored in a game since 2021 when the Cats scored 51 points against Louisville.

The defense held Murray St. without a touchdown. For the second time this season, Kentucky’s defense has held an opponent without a touchdown.

Freshman Standout today:

Advertisement

For the second time this season, Kentucky breaks the 40-point mark as three freshmen make impacts for Kentucky. Jamarion Wilcox had 13 carries and 124 yards with a touchdown in the 3rd quarter.

Receiver Hardley Gilmore IV had two receptions for 72 yards and caught the 52-yard touchdown pass from Brock Vandagriff on the game-opening drive.

Four-star quarterback Cutter Boley started the second half for the Cats, going 10-14 and passing for 130 yards with two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, both touchdown passes to sophomore receiver Anthony Brown-Stephens.

Defense Bounces Back:

Advertisement

After giving up over 475 yards of total offense each of the last three games, Kentucky’s defense holds Murray State to 256 total yards of offense while also having three takeaways from the Murray State offense

Defensive Lineman Tre’vonn Rybka led the way for the defense with five tackles and the only sack of the game for Kentucky’s defense. Jordan Lovett had two takeaways in the first half for Kentucky and one in the red zone in the second quarter. Jackson Schultz had the final takeaway, picking off Jim Ogle’s pass late in the fourth quarter.

Box Score

With the win today over Murray St., Kentucky moves to 4-6 (1-6 SEC) with two games remaining. They look to keep their bowl eligibility alive as they travel to Austin, Texas, and face the No. 3 ranked Texas Longhorns at 3:30 pm on ABC. 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Mark Stoops Responds to Retirement Rumors, “Zero Percent Chance I Do That”

Published

on

Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops responds to retirement rumors amidst disappointing season. "Zero percent chance I do that."
Jordan Prather | Imagn

To say there is unrest in the Kentucky Football fanbase would be an understatement. With a 3-6 record overall, and 1-6 in the SEC (15th out of 16) things look bleak, and there is still a quarter of the season to go. Considering the regression from the previous two seasons as well, it’s difficult to be optimistic about the future.

Over the last few weeks, rumors have circled that head coach Mark Stoops has considered retiring at the end of the season. Optics wise it makes sense, his older brother Bob Stoops surprisingly retired from Oklahoma at just 56, and Mark, now 57, has expressed a desire to spend more time with his children.

At his weekly press conference, Stoops was asked directly if there is any chance that he would walk away from Kentucky and retire at the season. To which he responded, bluntly:

Advertisement

“Zero percent chance I do that. Next question.”

Mark Stoops is still owed more than $44 million on his contract. That’s A LOT of money to leave on the table and is the reason that the decision will be Stoops’ to make, as Kentucky cannot afford the buyout.

If Stoops holds true to his word and returns next season, NIL fundraising efforts may be the most difficult it has been for him. However, he hopes it sparks motivation to donate.

“I’ve seen it at other SEC schools,” Stoops said. “I want to stay away from that. I really get tired of — I don’t want to be like I am whining, I am crying. It is reality. You have to have dollars.”

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending