Kentucky considering NFL coach as next offensive coordinator

Kentucky is considering New York Jets quarterback coach Rob Calabrese for its offensive coordinator opening, per a report from Kentucky Sports Radio. He would replace Liam Coen, who on Monday became the next offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Calabrese has spent the past three seasons in the NFL, first as an offensive analyst for the Denver Broncos in 2019 and 2020. He took the Jets quarterback coach job this past season where he was tasked with developing rookie Zach Wilson. The Jets finished 4-13 as the No. 2 overall pick completed 55.6% of his passes for 2,334 yards, 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 13 games.

A former UCF quarterback, Calabrese led the Knights in passing as a true freshman in 2008. Injuries over the next few seasons would ultimately relegate him to the bench, where he served in a mentor role for some of the team’s younger players. He got his start in coaching at Oviedo High School in 2013 as the quarterback coach before moving on to a graduate assistant role with his alma mater.

When COVID-19 wiped out the Broncos’ quarterback room in 2020, Denver petitioned the NFL to let the former UCF quarterback suit up against the Saints. The NFL ultimately denied the request, forcing the Broncos to play practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton.

Kentucky is coming off of a 10-3 season and Citrus Bowl victory under coach Mark Stoops this past season. The Wildcats finished fifth in the SEC with nearly 200 rushing yards per game, but just 10th in passing offense. With quarterback Will Levis already announcing his return for next season, Calabrese has a good starting point should he take over as the Kentucky offensive coordinator. Levis finished this past season with 2,826 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and was widely considered one of the top 10 quarterback prospects eligible for the draft.

The Wildcats are set to open the 2022 season on Sept. 3 against the Miami (OH) Redhawks.