In a stunning turn of events, the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach, capping a whirlwind 48-hour pursuit. The move shocked the NFL world, as Coen had initially declined a second interview with the Jags to stay in Tampa, only to reverse course after Jacksonville owner Shad Khan personally reached out following the dismissal of general manager Trent Baalke.
Jaguars Set Sights on Coen
The Jaguars’ interest in the 39-year-old Coen began shortly after firing head coach Doug Pederson on Jan. 6. Coen, who had just completed a successful first season as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator, transforming their offense into one of the NFL’s best, impressed Khan during an initial virtual interview. The Jaguars owner was determined to bring Coen in for an in-person meeting.
Bucs Counter with Record-Setting Offer
Sensing Jacksonville’s strong interest, the Buccaneers moved quickly to keep their rising star coordinator. Tampa Bay offered to make Coen the highest-paid coordinator in the league, with a salary between $4-5 million per year, but only if he declined the Jaguars’ second interview. Coen initially agreed, informing the Jags and key Bucs figures like head coach Todd Bowles and QB Baker Mayfield that he would stay put.
Khan’s Power Play Changes the Game
Everything changed on Wednesday afternoon when Khan stunningly parted ways with Baalke, the Jaguars’ GM since 2021. The owner then personally reached out to Coen, asking him to reconsider interviewing for the head coaching job. Coen, who had already formed a strong bond with Bowles in Tampa, now saw a chance to lead his own team without the complications of the Jags’ previous power structure.
Coen Leaves Bucs at the Altar
By Thursday morning, Coen was on his way to Jacksonville for the interview, catching the Bucs by surprise as they expected him to sign his new contract that day. The Jaguars contingent, which also included interim GM Ethan Waugh and former Jaguars legend Tony Boselli, met with Coen late into the evening. By midnight, they had a deal in place to make Coen their new head coach.
As head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, I will hire a first-class coaching staff, establish a distinctive and effective brand of football on both sides of the ball, and our players will live for the black and teal.
— Liam Coen
Coen’s Influence and the Road Ahead
Not only did Coen land a five-year contract worth around $12 million annually, but he will also have significant input on the Jaguars’ GM search, a testament to how much Khan coveted him. For a coach who has bounced between the NFL and college ranks in recent years, it’s a massive opportunity to build a program in his image. The Jaguars are betting big that Coen’s offensive acumen is exactly what they need to get the most out of talented but inconsistent QB Trevor Lawrence.
As for the Buccaneers, they are left searching for answers after thinking they had their man locked up long-term. But as one Tampa Bay coach noted, that’s the risk of having a top-flight coordinator. When an NFL head coaching job comes calling, it’s hard to say no, even if the path to get there is full of twists and turns.
