The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a splash hire, landing highly coveted offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach. In a stunning sequence of events, Coen agreed to become the NFL’s highest-paid coordinator to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, only to reverse course and take the Jaguars job on Thursday.
The 39-year-old Coen emerged as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds in his first season as the Buccaneers’ play-caller. Under his guidance, Tampa’s offense ranked third in total yards and fourth in points scored, while quarterback Baker Mayfield produced the best numbers of his career.
Coen’s Change of Heart Sparks Controversy
Coen’s abrupt about-face has raised eyebrows around the NFL. Just hours after pulling out of the running for the Jaguars’ head coaching vacancy, he was on a plane to Jacksonville to discuss the job. The Buccaneers, blindsided by the move, have been unable to reach Coen or his representatives.
The timing of Coen’s reversal coincides with the Jaguars parting ways with general manager Trent Baalke on Wednesday night. Jaguars owner Shad Khan had previously indicated he was open to making changes if a coaching candidate expressed reservations about working with Baalke.
If any coaching candidate expresses reservations about our organizational structure or working with Trent, I will address the topic.
– Jaguars owner Shad Khan on Jan. 6
Jaguars Get Their Guy
Despite the unorthodox circumstances, landing Coen is a major coup for a Jaguars franchise in desperate need of a reboot. His innovative offensive scheme and proven track record with quarterbacks could help unlock the potential of 2024 first overall pick Caleb Williams.
In Tampa, Coen showcased his ability to elevate a veteran passer like Mayfield to new heights. Under Coen’s tutelage, Mayfield set career bests in:
- Passing Yards: 4,500
- Touchdown Passes: 41
- Completion Percentage: 71.4%
Jaguars’ Coaching Search Concludes
Coen’s hiring brings a merciful end to a tumultuous coaching search in Jacksonville. The Jaguars fired Doug Pederson on Jan. 6 after a 4-13 season, just one year into his tenure. Since then, the organization has faced skepticism from candidates about its structure and long-term vision.
Now, with an offensive wunderkind in the fold and a franchise quarterback in place, the Jaguars appear poised to turn the page on a dark chapter. Coen’s arrival brings renewed hope that Jacksonville can finally emerge as a consistent contender in the AFC South.
The coming days and weeks will reveal more about Coen’s plans for his coaching staff and the roster. But for the first time in a long time, the Jaguars and their fans have reason to be optimistic about the future of the franchise.
