Coen Chooses Buccaneers Over Jaguars

In a surprising turn of events, Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen has decided to remain with the Tampa Bay team, leaving an enticing opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars behind. Reports emerged from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday that Coen has signed a new contract that catapults him into the ranks of the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL.

A Frontrunner for the Jaguars' Head Coaching Role

At just 39 years old, Coen was a frontrunner for the Jaguars' head coaching position, alongside former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and current Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Coen had been lined up for an in-person interview with Jaguars owner Shad Khan and general manager Trent Baalke, raising the stakes for his potential shift to Jacksonville.

Impressive Performance with the Buccaneers

Despite this high-profile interest, Coen made the decision to commit to the Buccaneers, where he led the team to impressive statistics during his inaugural season as offensive coordinator. The Buccaneers boasted the NFL's third-ranked total offense and finished fourth in points scored, a testament to Coen's strategic acumen. Under his guidance, quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career year, recording personal bests of 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and an astonishing 71.4% completion rate.

Jaguars Continue Coaching Search

If Coen had accepted the Jaguars' offer, it would have marked the second consecutive year the Buccaneers faced the challenge of finding a new offensive coordinator. Following the 2023 season, Dave Canales had already departed for a head coaching opportunity with the Carolina Panthers.

Questions Loom for Jaguars' Future

The Jaguars’ search for a new head coach continues after the dismissal of Doug Pederson following a disappointing 4-13 season. Khan has expressed confidence that Baalke’s role as general manager would not hinder their search, although there are questions around the continuity of the coaching staff.

Buccaneers Look to Build on Success

Now that Coen has decided to stay, the Buccaneers can look forward to building on their offensive success. Meanwhile, the Jaguars may need to turn back to previously interviewed candidates like Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore—all of whom await the chance to establish a new regime in Jacksonville.

NFL Coaching Carousel Continues

Stay tuned: The coaching carousel keeps spinning, and the NFL drama is far from over! Will the Jaguars find their perfect man for the job? Only time will tell!