Fixing UK’s offensive line is the first priority for Liam Coen

Liam Coen is looking forward to working with UK offensive line coach Zach Yenser. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Returning Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen knows what his first task will be once he gets back to Lexington Jan. 23.

Fixing the offensive line is the “No. 1 priority” for Coen, who returns to UK from the Los Angeles Rams after helping UK go 10-3 in 2021. He says the offensive line rehab will include personnel, schemes, techniques, attitude and demeanor.

He says all that needs to be addressed quickly.

“The first time I came that unit I never worried about,” Coen said. “I never worried on third and one about not getting a first down. We had experience. We had three players (Luke Fortner, Darian Kinnard and Dare Rosenthal) who went to play in the NFL.”

He does remember then freshman Jager Burton coming on at the end of the 2021 season and how versatile Kenneth Horsey, who started at guard for Coen and then at tackle last season, was.

“The offensive line is more than a third of your unit. If they are nog doing what they are supposed to do it is hard to have success,” Coen said.

Coen did not work with offensive line coach Zach Yenser, who came to UK from the San Francisco 49ers last season with then offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello. He says the two know each other a “little bit” and has already been talking to him.

“I like him as a dude and think he is the type that we will work well together,” Coen said. “Yens and I will blend pretty well together.”

Coen said he was excited to listen and learn from Yenser so they could be on the same page about how to get things done.

“We all agree we want to run the ball better and protect the quarterback better,” Coen said. “All the guys on staff said he (Yenser) is a really good dude. He knows improvements need to be made and I am excited about doing this with him.”