Liam Coen Set to Become Jacksonville Jaguars' New Head Coach After Unlikely Turnaround

In a surprising turn of events, Liam Coen, currently the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is expected to be named the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just one day after he withdrew from consideration for the position, sources indicate that negotiations are taking place to finalize his hiring.

Coen was initially set to remain with the Buccaneers under a lucrative three-year contract, making him the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL. However, following the Jaguars' decision to part ways with general manager Trent Baalke, the team renewed efforts to convince Coen to take the plunge into the head coaching role. Reports suggest that Jacksonville's ownership offered Coen the autonomy to select his general manager, as well as a competitive salary on par with recent head coaching hires, like Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears.

On Thursday, Coen traveled to Jacksonville for discussions, before returning to Tampa later that evening. That night, he informed the Buccaneers of his intention to accept the Jaguars' offer, with a formal announcement anticipated soon.

Coen's reputation has surged after leading a high-powered Tampa Bay offense this season, which ranked among the best in the league. Under his guidance, the Buccaneers finished third in total offense, second in passing yards, and fourth in rushing yards and points per game. This exceptional performance played a significant role in the team clinching the NFC South title for the fourth consecutive year and marked their fifth straight playoff appearance.

Notably, quarterback Baker Mayfield thrived in Coen's offensive scheme, achieving career-highs in several categories, including completion percentage (71.4%) and passing touchdowns (41). However, Coen's imminent exit would leave Mayfield navigating his eighth different offensive coordinator in just as many years—a challenge that could impact his development.

While Coen was one of three candidates being considered by the Jaguars, coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets was expected for a second interview. But once news of Coen's potential hiring surfaced, Saleh canceled his flight to Jacksonville.

The Jaguars, who ended the previous season with a disappointing 4-13 record, hold the fifth overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence faced injury hurdles, missing significant time, including the last five games of the season. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. emerged as a standout talent, notching 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.

Before joining Tampa Bay, Coen had a successful coaching career, highlighted by two stints with the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay. His prior experience includes notable roles in college football, particularly at the University of Kentucky, where he made significant contributions to the program, including developing future NFL talent.

An alumnus of the University of Massachusetts, Coen holds multiple passing records at the school and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2022—a testament to his impactful career as both a player and coach.

As the Jaguars prepare for what could be a pivotal coaching era, many are left wondering: Can Coen take the team to new heights, or will the challenges of the NFL prove insurmountable? Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.