By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-24 00:01:55 | Updated at 2025-01-24 03:29:10
3 hours ago
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen has reversed course after agreeing to stay in Tampa - as the coach is now in discussions to become the head coach of the Jaguars.
Coen, 39, was set to stay on in Tampa Bay as the league's highest-paid coordinator after talks with the franchise.
But according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Coen was in Jacksonville on Tuesday in discussions to become the Jags' next head coach - and ignored the Bucs front office's multiple attempts to get in touch with him.
Coen reportedly called head coach Todd Bowles on Thursday evening to inform him of his interest in the Jacksonville job, but Bowles already knew he was interviewing with the franchise, Schefter's colleague Jenna Laine added.
Coen, who has also served as the Rams' offensive coordinator, has bene with the Bucs for just one season in the role.
He had initially removed his name from the running of the Jaguars' head coaching search on Wednesday, just a day prior.
Liam Coen is reportedly in discussions to become the head coach of the Jaguars
Despite injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who only played seven games, the Bucs finished with the fourth-highest scoring offense in the league under Coen's guidance.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield also finished with a career-high 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns.
In Jacksonville, Coen would be tasked with reviving the career of former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, who has regressed following a strong sophomore year in 2022.
Lawrence, in 10 games this season, averaged a career-low 204.5 passing yards per game and threw 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
Coen's U-turn notably comes after the Jaguars decided to part ways with general manager Trent Baalke a day before.
That decision came at an unusual time, as the 60-year-old Baalke had been helping the Jaguars interview head coaching candidates.
By the same token, Coen's potential move to Jacksonville could leave the Bucs scrambling to find a new offensive coordinator, as three of the seven head coaching vacancies heading into this offseason have been filled, with those coaches now working to fill out their staffs.
Former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has accepted the Jets' head coaching job, Mike Vrabel returned to New England as their head coach and ex-Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson stayed in the NFC North to take the Bears job.
The Raiders, Cowboys and Saints have yet to make new hires.
