Jaguars Hire Liam Coen as Head Coach After Chaotic Negotiations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars named Liam Coen as their new head coach Friday, capping a whirlwind week of negotiations that saw the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator initially withdraw from consideration before ultimately accepting the role. The move followed the Jaguars’ decision to part ways with general manager Trent Baalke, a key factor in Coen’s reversal.

Coen, 39, was introduced as the Jaguars’ head coach after a series of dramatic twists. The Jaguars initially sought Coen for an interview following the firing of Doug Pederson on Jan. 6. Coen, who led the Buccaneers’ offense to a franchise-best 149.2 rushing yards per game in 2024, completed a virtual interview on Jan. 15. However, he withdrew from consideration Wednesday after the Buccaneers offered him a contract extension that would have made him the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL.

“Me and Liam are very close — we have these types of conversations [about] what to expect from an interview and everything else,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Jan. 13. “At least you know you’re picking the right guy.”

But hours after Coen’s withdrawal, the Jaguars fired Baalke, and owner Shad Khan reached out directly to Coen to reignite discussions. Coen traveled to Jacksonville for an in-person interview Thursday and agreed to a five-year deal worth approximately $12 million annually, according to sources.

The Buccaneers, who had prepared a contract extension for Coen, were blindsided by his decision. “The manner in which it unfolded is still a little tough to comprehend,” a Buccaneers source told ESPN. “Life goes on.”

Coen’s rise to head coach marks a significant milestone in his career. He spent the 2024 season as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, helping quarterback Baker Mayfield achieve a career-high 41 touchdown passes. The Buccaneers’ offense ranked third in the NFL in points per game (28.6) and fourth in rushing yards per game (149.2).

In Jacksonville, Coen will have significant influence over the team’s search for a new general manager, according to sources. He inherits a Jaguars team that finished 7-10 in 2024 and is looking to rebuild around quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

“As head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, I will hire a first-class coaching staff, establish a distinctive and effective brand of football on both sides of the ball, and our players will live for the black and teal,” Coen said in a statement. “We are ready to get to work.”

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are now tasked with finding a replacement for Coen. Mayfield, who will be playing under his ninth offensive coordinator in eight seasons, expressed disappointment but understanding of Coen’s decision. “Liam is a great coach, and I wish him the best,” Mayfield said.

Coen’s hiring marks the latest chapter in a coaching career that has taken him from the Los Angeles Rams to the University of Kentucky and now to Jacksonville. His ability to adapt and innovate on offense will be critical as the Jaguars look to return to contention in the AFC South.