Liam Coen, the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has rapidly emerged as the leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just two days after reports suggested Coen would remain with the Buccaneers under one of the NFL's most lucrative contracts, he is now negotiating with the Jaguars with the aim of taking over the coaching duties.
According to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, Coen's initial disinterest shifted dramatically after the Jaguars and owner Shad Khan parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke. This dismissal has paved the way for Coen to reconsider the opportunity, which he had previously declined due to concerns about Baalke's reputation within the league.
Coen, who will turn 40 on November 8, has been instrumental in the Buccaneers' success over the past season. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers fielded the NFL's fourth-highest scoring offense at 29.5 points per game and boasted the third-best total offense, averaging 399.6 yards per game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield flourished under Coen's guidance, achieving career-best figures with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes, significantly benefiting from Coen's offensive play calling.
Reports of Coen's candidacy heated up on January 23, 2025, as ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed he was in Jacksonville negotiating terms to become the Jaguars' new head coach. Prior to this, the Buccaneers had attempted multiple contacts with Coen, but he had ceased communication, prompting questions about his commitment to their franchise.
Owner Shad Khan's decision to fire Baalke was reportedly pivotal for Coen's renewed interest. After initially agreeing to stay with Tampa Bay, Coen's contemplation of the Jacksonville position highlights how closely linked coaching candidates are to the leadership structure of their potential teams. Khan, during earlier statements following his team's dismal 4-13 season, expressed the need for creative leadership, emphasizing, "Being unpredictable is I think modern football, and we have to be able to show it on the field.” This highlights the direction he wants to take the Jaguars, fitting neatly with Coen’s innovative approach previously displayed with the Buccaneers.
Even after Coen’s initial withdrawal from the Jaguars' coaching search, Jaguars management continued their pursuit, presumably sensing Coen's potential. Reports indicated their constant outreach seems to have played a role in luring Coen back—relationships within the league can often hinge on such connections. Khan's expressed desire for someone capable of revitalizing the offense aligns with the expectations placed on Coen, who demonstrated impressive adaptability and offensive prowess during his season with the Buccaneers.
The Jaguars have assembled one of the most promising teams with young talents like quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. paired with the prospect of returning to the top ranks of the NFL under Coen's guidance. The removal of Baalke should not only help ease decision-making for Coen but grants him considerable power upon his possible hiring, which becomes attractive to any candidate seeking the mantle of head coach.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding any contract agreement, it is evident the Jaguars see Coen as their highest priority. The timing of Coen's travel to Jacksonville, reportedly kept under wraps to sidestep the Buccaneers' management, suggests both urgency and importance of the meeting with Khan and interim general manager Ethan Waugh.
The Jaguars and their fan base seem ready for this tidal shift as the NFL's hiring season continues to be fraught with speculation and negotiations. It’s clear both fans and management hope for more consistency and competitive edge than the previous regime provided.
With the Jaguars holding the fifth overall draft pick and ample salary cap space heading to next season, the franchise appears on the brink of transformation. If Coen joins, he could usher the Jaguars back to contention, especially observing his impressive performance with the Buccaneers this past season. How this leadership change will influence their preparations for upcoming games and the overall structure of the team remains to be seen. Yet, the enthusiastic presence of Coen could very well mark the start of another promising chapter for Jacksonville.