Reports: Kentucky OC Shannon Dawson will not return in 2016

Kentucky is reportedly making a change to its coaching staff.

According to multiple reports, Wildcats offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will not return for the 2016 season. The news was first reported by WKYT.

Dawson spent just one season at Kentucky after making the move from West Virginia last offseason. He took the position vacated by Neal Brown, who left for the head coaching position at Troy.

Dawson did not call plays during his time at West Virginia, but did in his lone season at UK. The Wildcats struggled as Dawson implemented a pass-heavy offense, dropping from 29 points per game in 2014 to 25 points per game in 2015 – a 5-7 season that included a 2-6 record in SEC play.

According to Cats Illustrated, Kentucky passed the ball more than any team in the SEC.

Kentucky's offense floundered in Dawson's first year with the passing game actually getting worse, in spite of the fact that most of UK's position groups had become a year older and, according to most pundits, more talented.

Dawson introduced the pistol formation in Lexington with tight end C.J. Conrad frequently lining up in the backfield. Kentucky passed the ball 44-percent of the time on first down, notably, which was by far the most in the SEC.

However, Dawson's efforts to create a more prolific 'Air Raid' style of offense failed. Kentucky's quarterbacks passed for just 10 touchdowns against 16 interceptions during the 2015 season.

The offensive woes culminated in a late season quarterback change and Patrick Towles' subsequent decision to transfer out of the program.

With Dawson out, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops will now search for his third offensive coordinator during his tenure.

In Stoops’ three seasons as head coach, Kentucky is 12-24 (4-20 SEC). 

For more Kentucky news, CatsIllustrated.com.

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