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Coen Stoops to New Kentucky Low as Fans Hope Hamdan Isn’t Bush League

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Rock Westfall | Last updated 2/16/24

By Rock Westfall

Bush Hamdan is Kentucky’s new offensive coordinator after Liam Coen bolted for the NFL. Despite all his success, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops faces more frustration and scrutiny from fans and media. The pressure to beat the best in the SEC has become a program albatross.

Coen Was All-In Until He Wasn’t

Former Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen sandwiched two stints under head coach Mark Stoops between two runs with the NFL Los Angeles Rams. Coen drew rave reviews as the Rams' assistant wide receiver and QB coach from 2018-2020. Stoops, desperate to jumpstart his lethargic attack, hired Coen to take over the Kentucky offense in 2021.

Kentucky exploded for nearly 33 points per game in 2021, up from 21.8 in 2020, and ranked 24^th best in the country. The Wildcats finished 10-3 with a final AP ranking of 18^th. It was just the second time since 1985 that Kentucky finished with an AP Top 20 season.

Rams coach Sean McVay took notice and brought Coen back as OC for LA in 2022. But without the injured Super Bowl-winning QB Matthew Stafford and battling against a championship team hangover, Coen was the victim of poor timing and was out after one year.

Stoops suffered from a steep offensive production drop to 20.4 points per game in 2022 and a 7-6 record. He called for Coen to come back. Coen claimed to be excited about returning to the college ranks and how he missed forging relationships with young players. Kentucky improved to 29 points per game in 2022 but finished 7-6 again.

Meanwhile, the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a surprising playoff season with new starting QB Baker Mayfield in 2023. When offensive coordinator Dave Canales was named head coach of the NFL Carolina Panthers, Coen jumped at the chance to replace him. The man who claimed he loved coaching in the college ranks and Kentucky's culture called his decision to move to the Bucs a “no-brainer.”

Liam Coen on Jan 12, 2023 after returning to Kentucky:

“I want to go somewhere, make a real impact. Plant some roots for a little bit. Be somewhere for a few years — at least — that you feel really good about. I’m excited about being back in Lexington... I’m not in a rush to go…
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) February 2, 2024

A Bird in the Bush

Stoops named Boise State OC and QB coach Bush Hamdan as Coen’s replacement. Hamdan’s offense came on strong in the 2023 season’s second half to push Boise State over the top for the Mountain West Conference championship. In his only year as OC and amidst a mid-season head coaching change, Hamdan led his alma mater’s offense to a 24^th in the nation ranking.

The Broncos have a large contingent of returning players for 2024 and will be a top Group of Five team. Thus, it was not easy for Hamdan to leave home for Kentucky.

The former Boise State QB does have SEC coaching experience. He was a WR coach at Florida in 2012 and served as the Missouri QB coach under Eli Drinkwitz in 2020-2022, where he developed Brady Cook into a competent starter. Thus, Hamdan knows the SEC recruiting jungle and its elite level of play.

The man. Beyond happy for you coach. Grateful for our time together. All love @BushHamdan https://t.co/gKc82ndov4
— Maddux Madsen (@MadduxMadsen) February 14, 2024

The Long Kentucky Road

It is never easy for Kentucky in the SEC, but Mark Stoops has likely maxed out what the program can achieve. These days, Stoops is a victim of his success. Upon his arrival in 2013, Kentucky fans would have signed on the dotted line for eight consecutive bowl games and two AP Top 20 seasons, which Stoops produced.

Winning has made spoiled Kentucky fans scream for more. Stoops has been under fire for his poor record against the best teams in the SEC. It all came to a head last season when the Wildcats were obliterated by Georgia 51-13. Kentucky was woefully exposed in that game as outclassed.

Mark Stoops was asked tonight about only winning two SEC games against teams that finished with a winning record in the conference since he got to Kentucky

"I don't believe that statistic you're saying is right," he responded.

Unfortunately, the caller was right. pic.twitter.com/ljHKovEjTI
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) October 10, 2023

Kentucky Fans are demanding wins over top programs and an SEC championship run. They believe after 11 seasons, Stoops should reach those achievements. In turn, Stoops is demanding more donations for NIL to reach a championship level. Perhaps both arguments have merit.

Stoops brought more pressure upon himself by publicly flirting to take over as HC of Texas A&M. That dalliance will not be forgotten if the losses mount in 2024.

I'm fully on board if Texas A&M hires Mark Stoops. He doesn't put up with any crap and can develop. A&M fans probably don't want to hear it, but it needs to be a developmental program instead of thinking it is a superpower.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) November 26, 2023

Brock the Rock of Hamdan’s Offense?

The first order of business for Bush Hamdan is to get to work on developing former 5-star Georgia recruit and backup QB Brock Vandagriff. The junior transfer has the mobility that Kentucky lacked last year with Devin Leary.

In 2024, Kentucky will have a good defensive team, especially up front. And the wide receiver room has potential. Stoops’s perennially strong coaching staff has produced Top 25 ranked recruiting classes in five of the last six seasons, including 2024.

If Hamdan gets Vandagriff up to speed, it could be a surprise season at Stoops’ Old Kentucky Home.

Former 5⭐ recruit Brock Vandergriff has transferred from Georgia to Kentucky. He has 2 years of eligibility remaining pic.twitter.com/xsgo422kh4
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) December 6, 2023

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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