New offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello is teaching his system this spring after leaving the San Francisco 49ers to come to UK. (Vicky Graff Photo)
It’s not a coincidence that the more coaches with NFL experience that Mark Stoops has added to his Kentucky staff, the better UK’s overall recruiting has got. Associate coach Vince Marrow, running backs coach John Settle, offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, offensive line coach Zach Yenser and defensive coordinator Brad White all have NFL coaching experience.
“I definitely believe it does help recruiting,” said Stoops. “If you are a recruit you would be crazy not to look at us.”
“It’s different when you get to the next level (NFL) and how wordy they are (with coaching). It’s a lot to process there. It’s just different. Having all those guys here is definitely helping us.”
“We were fortunate a year ago when we hired Liam (Coen as offensive coordinator from the Rams). I didn’t know. I had a vision a year ago (for the offense). In the last two years, this offense has just exploded and that helps (recruiting).”
Stoops credits Coen for transforming the UK offense into a pro-style attack that Kentucky players all quickly believed in.
“It is pretty remarkable we were able to attract a coordinator of his (Scangarello) caliber. He is a remarkable quarterback coach and play-caller,” Stoops said. “There will be some twists and little changes in the offense but it’s the same general system.”
“They speak the same language with Liam and Rich. It’s an easy carryover and that is showing.”
2 Responses
I like the hire, and I also think NFL coaching experience has to help this program, especially in recruiting. My concern is keeping a coach like Scangarello around long enough to make an impact long term. Coen didn’t last long at the college level. NFL opportunities seem available every season for young head coaches who have the skills needed to lead a pro team. With recruiting duties added to the mix at the college level it does not make the job any easier for an OC. I also hope he can recruit. I here his contract may be geared to help keep him at UK longer. I will hold my real excitement though after I see what sort of offense UK has come September when the footballs start flying. Go Cats!!!
Mark Stoops appears to be a master at gathering good people around him. That is the mark of a great head coach. It’s what has helped make Nick Saban so successful at Alabama