What Liam Coen's "Quarterback-Friendly Offense" may look like

Mark Stoops described Liam Coen’s offensive scheme as being quarterback-friendly. This leads to a good question: what is a quarterback-friendly offense? That term is thrown around as much as the ole trusty, “Gotta win the turnover battle.” For those that didn’t know, I was a quarterback at Kentucky a long, long time ago. Passes were rare back then. Sliding and running out of bounds were frowned upon and were greeted with growls in the huddle. Jerry Claiborne coached teams ran the football and did so successfully with future NFL running backs at his disposal. Truth is, I was not a very good passer. Had a strong arm, but lacked the instincts, touch and anticipation that separates a thrower from a passer. I was a thrower.

Trust me, this is not going to be a “Glory Days” post. Quite frankly, I really didn’t have many glory days. However, I’m trying to make a point. Jerry Claiborne retired in 1989. Tommy Bowden followed Bill Curry from Alabama to Lexington as UK’s offensive coordinator. At that point my mind was opened to a new level of comfort and confidence in the passing game through a series of simple schematic alterations and additions. UK modernized its offense in 1990.

Bowden’s system divided the field into halves and created an automatic open receiver as a check down option. He taught us the Triangulation Method of progressions. His scheme was based from the run game that mixed in bootlegs and waggles which will be a staple of a Liam Coen offense. Xs and Os have modernized these two plays since my day. But, the intent remains the same.

For me, the light turned on under Coach Bowden. I processed defenses quicker. Automatic blitz pickup packages were installed in case an unblockable defender charged through the line of scrimmage. Why am I sharing this story? Easy answer. I fully expect Joey Gatewood and Beau Allen’s light to come on when they become familiar with Coen’s system. The passing game doesn’t have to be difficult. At times, simplicity is better. Coen’s system is not simple. But it is simple if that makes sense. That’s the beauty of this hire.

Let’s be honest here. UK’s passing game has looked difficult. Not so much schematically, but it just seemed hard to complete a pass in the recent years. The Cats were not able to stretch the field. Tight end targets were absent. Vertical routes appeared to be a chore instead of an opportunity. This is likely to change.

The Rams offensive system is one based off the run, mainly outside zones. However, I’d expect Coen to also play to his personnel strengths and go inside with Chris Rodriguez. Out of the run action comes the bootleg. A bootleg pass is run action one way, then the quarterback fakes to the RB and goes in the opposite direction. Quick, open pass catchers are present in the flat or the first level in the progression. The second level consists of tight ends and slot receivers running crossing or void routes. The third level is made up of outside or X receivers in a version of a vertical or deep out route. The bootleg pass is a quarterback’s friend. Easy completions are built into the play. However, it’s only successful if the running game is productive. I’d expect that to be the case.

The waggle route has been around for quite some time. It’s another play action pass. The QB fakes to a running back and then rolls out of the pocket or moves to an outside launch spot. The RB executes the first level route towards the sideline and shows the QB his numbers for an easy pitch and catch. The second and third level reads are directed towards crossing routes by receivers and tight ends. Completions are available on all three levels. The waggle route is the QB’s friend. Sure-thing completions exist. They’re fun.

I’ve typed a bunch of words to briefly describe two plays in an offensive system that consistently produce open pass catchers and a QB that completes passes at a high percentage. Rams QB Jared Goff completed over 65% of his passes over the past three seasons. If Coen’s system is similar to that of Sean McVay’s, and we all fully expect that to be the case, the Cats could see tremendous growth in the passing game. Kentucky’s passing attack won’t or shouldn’t look so difficult in 2021.

Coen’s drop back passing game will include bunch sets and multiple tight ends. These personnel groups and formations can cause problems for opposing defenses. Four of the Rams top five pass catchers are slot receivers and tight ends. Both should be personnel strengths for UK in 2021. The Rams’ heavy reliance on slot receivers and tight ends is the result of scheme and personnel. Coen’s system won’t be a dink-and-dunk operation like the Air Raid. Each drop back pass also includes a built-in home run shot. Vertical routes will influence safeties and stretch the field. I can foresee the Cats’ 5.6 yards per pass attempt to be significantly higher next season.

Jerry Claiborne’s system was simple yet effective. The College Football Hall of Famer was a great coach and man. I loved him with every ounce of my heart. It was an honor to be his last quarterback. However, Tommy Bowden’s scheme was modern and creative. A quarterback-friendly offense is one that builds in sure-completions in the first, second and third level. It’s all about confidence. It’s a mindset that builds the QB’s trust that the passing game doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Coen’s presence will lead the Wildcats into the modern era of offensive football in the Southeastern Conference. Mark Stoops described his scheme as quarterback-friendly.