The moment the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen to orchestrate the team’s offense for the 2024 NFL season, people understood the intentions behind the signing.
They had to do everything they could to keep a talented quarterback on their payroll, and getting one of the guys who meshed well with him will be instrumental in getting Baker Mayfield to sign on the dotted line.
However, it’s also understandable if the fans of the program he just left would feel a bit scorned by the move. Especially if he promised to build the football team for the next couple of years.
Kentucky fans react to new Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC’s career move
Nathan Beighle of A Sea Of Blue got a pulse of the Kentucky fanbase on social media after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Coen’s hiring. To say that fans were frustrated with his sudden career move is an understatement and a half.
One X user quoted what Coen said to the Wildcat community when he returned to the program on January 12, 2023:
“I want to go somewhere, make a real impact. Plant some roots for a bit. Be somewhere for a few years—at least—that you really feel good about. I’m excited about being back in Lexington… I’m not in a rush to go anywhere.”
Another user was glad Coen was gone. “He’s good at his job, but it was clear he didn’t want to be at UK,” he wrote.
Another Kentucky fan objectively understands that moving on for the sake of your career is a part of life. However, she found it distasteful that Coen had to lie through the skin of his teeth that he would be staying with the program when he jumped ship to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the opportunity presented itself.
Coen was an important person in Baker Mayfield’s resurgence. He instilled confidence in the former Oklahoma Sooner when the Los Angeles Rams picked him up off waivers. It was his guidance that helped Mayfield find his footing and showcase his talent to the rest of the NFC South with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While some of the Kentucky fanbase would wish him well, there’s little chance he’ll be welcomed back to Lexington if this gig doesn’t work out.
For More Of My Content
Don’t hesitate to message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com for questions and opportunities.
