In a surprising turn of events, Liam Coen has decided to join the Jacksonville Jaguars as their new head coach, turning down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being in line for a lucrative contract extension. Coen had previously been expected to sign a new three-year deal with the Bucs that would have made him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, reportedly near $4.5 million annually. However, within hours, he was negotiating with the Jaguars, a move that will reportedly net him around $13 million per year.
This decision has major implications for the Buccaneers, who now face the challenge of finding their fourth offensive coordinator in as many seasons, a situation that has become increasingly familiar for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has cycled through multiple coordinators throughout his career. Coen’s departure is particularly notable as he contributed to elevating Tampa Bay’s offense to a top-five ranking in 2024.
The swift change emerged after Jacksonville parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke, reigniting their pursuit of Coen, who was initially thought to have withdrawn his name from consideration for the Jaguars’ head coaching vacancy. Reports suggest that his reluctance to commit to the Jaguars changed when they offered him a pivotal role in selecting a new GM, indicating a significant shift in his career trajectory.
In the wake of Coen’s decision, the Buccaneers are left to navigate potential further staff losses. Assistant general manager John Spytek has already agreed to join the Raiders as their new GM, and there are indications that other key coaches, including defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers and linebackers coach Larry Foote, may also depart for new opportunities.
Coen’s career has shown a pattern of adaptability; his move to Jacksonville aligns with his long-term aspiration to become a head coach, especially at this stage in his career. At just 39 years old, he will be one of the youngest head coaches in the league, tasked with developing Trevor Lawrence, a promising young quarterback looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued season.
For the Buccaneers, the loss of Coen marks another chapter in a pivotal offseason. With the potential for new coaching talent and fresh perspectives on staff, there remains a glimmer of hope that Tampa Bay can rebuild their offensive unit and continue to compete effectively in their division. As they move forward, the team will likely prioritize continuity for Mayfield while seeking a head coach that can maximize the existing talent on their roster.
With the NFL landscape ever-changing, both teams now look toward a future that could redefine their paths in the league.