Liam Coen to LA is almost official, ending an eventful hiring process
President’s Day began with dreaded news many across the BBN feared was imminent. Albert Breer reported Liam Coen will leave Kentucky to be the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator. More than 24 hours later that news was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, noting that a deal has not yet been finalized “but should in the near future.” There was a lot that happened in the lead-up and in-between reports that made for an uncertain day around the University of Kentucky.
The Early Interview Process for Coen
Coen’s agent received plenty of calls this offseason. That’s what happens when you completely turn around a Kentucky offense to spark a 10-win season in Lexington. Thursday night Coen told the Kentucky football team that he turned away every potential suitor, including the New Orleans Saints, until he got one phone call he could not ignore.
Sean McVay, Coen’s mentor, needed an offensive coordinator. One of the most prolific positions in all of football, three McVay offensive coordinators have already become NFL head coaches. Coen shared with his players that if offered, he could not turn down the job.
After spending three years with the Rams and keeping up with McVay throughout the 2021 season in Lexington, he entered the interview process confident the job was his for the taking. It almost was not enough.
Late Interview Additions
The dominos had to fall precisely to line up Liam Coen with Los Angeles. One nearly obstructed it at the finish line. Former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit Feb. 1 against multiple teams and the NFL, alleging league-wide discriminatory hiring practices that limited coaching opportunities for African-Americans. After initially pushing back, the NFL is now re-evaluating the Rooney Rule. Roger Goodell admitted the league “fell short … by a lot” on hiring Black and minority coaches.
The Flores lawsuit brought the NFL’s hiring inequities into the spotlight and put pressure on organizations to fill prominent positions with people of color. For a moment, it appeared that McVay was ready to do just that.
Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach Charles London and LSU passing game coordinator Cortez Hankton were surprise late additions to the Rams’ interview schedule. Sunday night Ian Rapoport reported another offensive coordinator candidate, assistant head coach Thomas Brown, turned down the Vikings to return to Los Angeles. If McVay wanted to go a different route from Coen by hiring a minority coach, he now had three quality candidates to choose from.
Low-Ball Offer
Ultimately, the tide turned in favor of Coen, with a catch. Instead of simply hiring Coen, McVay was ready to hire most of the people he interviewed to various positions on his offensive staff. He convinced Thomas Brown to come back, gave Zac Robinson a new job title and brought former QBs coach Greg Olson back to the Rams after four years with the Raiders. In addition to the Las Vegas play-caller, McVay hired LSU’s 2021 play-caller, Jake Peetz.
Those moves weren’t cheap. That is probably why the Rams were willing to initially offer Coen the job, just not a big raise to go with it. Bruce Feldman reported Coen received the offer, “but there is no deal in place.” Coen’s agent was doing some public negotiating. For an afternoon there was a realistic possibility the Kentucky offensive coordinator could turn down a change to coach the defending Super Bowl Champs. After all, who would want to take a pay-cut to deal with the 405, give up play-calling duties and lose half your salary to California state taxes? Ultimately, the Rams were willing to play ball and the board man got paid.
Well Wishes for Coen
This news stinks. There’s no way around it for Kentucky fans. The BBN wanted to see an explosive offense and Coen immediately delivered. Just like LSU’s Joe Brady, Kentucky could not keep Coen forever. He left with dignity and his players appreciate of his time in Lexington. Now, it’s on to the next one. Kentucky must move quickly. Spring practice is right around the corner.
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