The Chicago Bears habitually bypass the most obvious coaching candidates for guys who weren't considered the biggest names going into a cycle. Liam Coen qualifies for that category. He has enjoyed a tremendous season down in Florida, but he is still relatively unknown compared to others like Ben Johnson and Joe Brady. So, this feels like a good time to learn something about him. There have already been whispers the Bears plan to talk to the 39-year-old.
Liam Coen might be the most intriguing mystery of this cycle.
Background:
A highly successful college quarterback in Massachusetts, Coen rubbed shoulders with future New York Giants star Victor Cruz. He briefly dabbled in the Arena League before deciding to transition to coaching. Coen bounced around the college ranks for a few years until he got his first notable opportunity as offensive coordinator at Maine. It was his first taste of play calling duty. While the team was mostly mediocre for two years, there were flashes of something more. It was enough to get him an opportunity with the Rams in 2018 as their assistant wide receivers coach.
Three years later, he got the Kentucky offensive coordinator job. There, he helped develop future 2nd round pick Will Levis. The next season, he was called back to L.A. as their new offensive coordinator before again returning to Kentucky for the same position. He helped QB Devin Leary to a major bounceback season, which drew the attention of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their offensive coordinator spot. With one game to play, the Bucs have the #3 total offense in the league, and Baker Mayfield has thrown a career-high 39 touchdowns.
Mentors:
His first major influence was Brown head coach Phil Estes, who held that job for 20 years and won three Ivy League championships. Sean McVay gave him his break into the NFL. Everybody knows the Rams head coach has a knack for identifying quality coaching talent. Lastly, Mark Stoops has held the Kentucky job since 2013, taking a predominantly basketball school to six winning seasons and four bowl victories. While they might not be the biggest games, all three have shown remarkable longevity in a business with a high overturn rate.
Pros:
- Every quarterback who has played for him excelled.
- Very balanced as a play caller. Just as dangerous running the ball.
- Reasonably experienced with six years as a coordinator.
- Known for having lots of charisma and juice as a coach.
Cons:
- Has never held a significant job in a big market. Dabbled at mostly smaller programs.
- List of connections is questionable. Hasn't spent much time in the NFL.
- Worked exclusively with veteran QBs in the NFL. Never developed a youngster.
- Zero head coaching experience.
Comparison: Bruce Arians
It took Arians a lot longer to get his opportunity than it should've, but his reputation was similar to Liam Coen's at the time. He was known for having a terrific knack for communicating with quarterbacks and elevating them. He also bounced between college and the NFL. Now, it's uncertain if Coen has the same leadership qualities as Arians. There is no way to know for sure. Still, the similar backgrounds suggest he has the capability to follow a similar path.
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