The Jacksonville Jaguars are making headlines as they consider Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, for their head coaching position. This move follows the recent departure of general manager Trent Baalke, and it appears Coen may soon become the new face of the Jaguars, according to sources close to the situation.
Owner Shad Khan has been proactive in his search for a coach who can bring innovation to the team. Following the decision to let Baalke go, Coen’s interest in the Jacksonville job grew. Initially, he had hesitated to interview due to Baalke’s involvement, given Baalke’s controversial reputation in the league and the previous firing of Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson.
Despite a prior agreement with Tampa Bay that would have made him one of the highest-paid coordinators, Coen opted not to sign the contract and instead discreetly traveled to Jacksonville for discussions with Khan and interim general manager Ethan Waugh. Reports suggest that the Jaguars could finalize the hiring process as soon as Thursday night.
It seems clear that Khan views Coen as his primary choice, despite also interviewing other candidates like former Las Vegas defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and ex-New York Jets coach Robert Saleh. Khan has emphasized the need for creativity in the Jaguars’ approach, reflecting a broader trend in modern football toward unpredictability.
Coen, at just 39, has already made a significant mark by helping to shape one of Tampa Bay’s top offensive units, leading the team to impressive rankings in both yards and points during the 2024 season. His potential partnership with young quarterback Trevor Lawrence and emerging receiver Brian Thomas Jr. could yield exciting results for the Jaguars.
While Coen faced challenges during his first season in the NFL with the Rams, his performance with Baker Mayfield this season reignited interest in him around the league. Fans in Tampa even speculated about the possibility of Coen stepping up as head coach, but it looks like he is set to take the helm in Jacksonville instead.
Looking ahead, there are questions about the leadership structure beyond the head coach. It remains to be seen if Waugh will stay on or if Khan will bring in a new executive vice president to help shape the team’s future.
The Jaguars hold an attractive position in the league, especially now with Baalke gone. They feature a promising young quarterback in Lawrence, exciting offensive potential with Thomas, and valuable defensive players. The team is also set for a significant stadium renovation and boasts plenty of financial resources.
With the fifth overall draft pick and ample salary cap space, the Jaguars are well-positioned to bounce back after a tough season. However, the owner’s commitment to playing games in London raises concerns about competitive balance, particularly with home games slated to be held at reduced capacity in the near future.
As the Jaguars look to define their future, the hiring of a capable head coach like Coen could be the catalyst they need for success on the field. The upcoming months will be pivotal as the team navigates these changes.
