After Dave Canales left to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were looking for a new offensive coordinator.
The Buccaneers intend to employ Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their next offensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport. Coen has spent the previous few years bouncing between the NFL and Lexington, but he plans to return to the professionals. Coen is a fantastic offensive thinker who, with the right quarterback, can lead an amazing scheme. Coen had worked with current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield in Los Angeles with the Rams, so the two are familiar with each other.
Coen’s departure from Kentucky puts the Wildcats in a difficult situation. Brock Vandagriff, the transfer quarterback, and Coen had already formed a solid bond and were anxious to work together. It will be difficult for Head Coach Mark Stoops to find a solid offensive coordinator because most coaching changes have already occurred in college football. This would really impact Kentucky as they try to find a new play caller, which will be difficult early in February.
Coen stated a year ago that he intended to “go somewhere, make a real impact, and plant some roots a little bit.” Be somewhere you can be proud of for a few years.”
Coen definitely did not keep his pledge from a year ago, but when the NFL calls, it’s difficult not to answer. The former Kentucky offensive coordinator hopes to lead the Buccaneers back to the playoffs in 2025.
