Kentucky Approaches End of Offensive Coordinator Search

Mark Stoops may conclude his offensive coordinator coaching search in less than a week. Rich Scangarello was relieved of his duties last Tuesday. KSR has learned a new offensive coordinator may be hired within the next 48 hours.

“I expect news on the OC potentially tomorrow or Tuesday,” Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones shared on Twitter late Sunday night. “If it gets finally worked out, people will be happy.”

The University of Kentucky currently has two assistant football coach job postings available. One expires Dec. 5, the other on Tuesday, Dec. 6. In addition to Scangarello, running backs coach John Settle was fired last Monday.

In 2021 Liam Coen orchestrated an impressive turnaround as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator. Kentucky had one of the best third down and red zone offenses in the nation, finishing the year with the nation’s No. 21 offense, a new high in the Mark Stoops era. Despite playing with many of the same pieces, it all fell apart under Scangarello in 2022. Kentucky ranked 105th in scoring offense, 107th in total offense, 109th in rushing offense and 88th in passing offense. The Wildcats No. 92 finish in SP+ is the worst by a Kentucky offense since 2008.

Since Scangarello’s departure, all has been relatively quiet around the Kentucky football program. Only one name has surfaced in the search of a new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen. Could the prodigal son be preparing for a Lexington homecoming? The BBN will find out soon enough, maybe by lunchtime tomorrow. Mark Stoops is scheduled to speak with the media about the Wildcats’ trip to the Music City Bowl Monday at noon.