Liam Coen is expected to take over as head coach for the Jaguars after initially agreeing to an extension with the Buccaneers
Tampa: So, here’s the scoop. Just the other day, Liam Coen, the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, was all set to sign a big extension with them. We’re talking a serious raise that would’ve made him one of the top-paid coordinators in the league. He was even a strong contender for the Jaguars’ head coach position but decided to stick with Tampa.
But wait, just a day later, he seems to have had a change of heart.
Now, it looks like Coen is on track to become the Jaguars’ new head coach. He had a second interview with them, and while he and the Bucs had a deal in place, it wasn’t signed yet. So, he’s off to Jacksonville to chat about his future there.
Interestingly, this shift in Coen’s plans comes right after the Jaguars fired their general manager, Trent Baalke. It’s hard to ignore that timing, right? Baalke had a rough run, going 25-43 in four seasons, and the Jags decided to part ways with him this week.
Things are getting a bit messy, though. The Bucs haven’t heard from Coen or his team since Thursday, despite trying to reach out. It’s like he’s gone radio silent on them.
There are also mixed messages about whether Coen let Tampa know he was heading to Jacksonville. The Bucs claim he didn’t inform them, while Coen insists he told head coach Todd Bowles about his plans to interview.
Coen joined the Bucs this past season and really made a name for himself, especially with quarterback Baker Mayfield. He turned the team’s offense around, making them the No. 3 offense in the league during the regular season. They made it to the playoffs but lost in a wild-card game against the Washington Commanders.
The Jaguars have had a rough offseason, firing head coach Doug Pederson after a disappointing 4-13 season. And then there’s the whole Baalke situation.
Besides Coen, the other big name in the running for the Jaguars was former Jets head coach Robert Saleh. He had an interview lined up for Friday, but that’s changed too, as he’s now set to be the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.