Jaguars Seek Bucs’ Liam Coen for Head Coach Amid NFL Shakeup

TAMPA — The Jacksonville Jaguars have requested permission to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen for their vacant head coaching position, according to league sources. Coen, 39, has emerged as a top candidate after leading the Bucs to one of the NFL’s most potent offenses in his first season with the team.

Under Coen’s guidance, the Buccaneers finished in the top five in all major offensive categories, including first in third-down conversion rate (50.9%) and fourth in scoring offense (29.5 points per game). The Jaguars, who fired head coach Doug Pederson on Monday, are seeking a fresh start after a disappointing season.

Coen’s success with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had a career-best season, has drawn significant attention. Mayfield joined an elite group of quarterbacks by passing for over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns while completing 70% of his passes, a feat previously achieved only by Drew Brees and Joe Burrow.

The Jaguars have also requested interviews with several other candidates, including Kellen Moore (Eagles), Todd Monken (Ravens), and Ben Johnson (Lions). However, Coen’s ability to transform Tampa Bay’s offense into a balanced and dynamic unit makes him a standout choice.

Coen, who grew up as a New England Patriots fan and played quarterback at UMass, has expressed his desire to become an NFL head coach. “Really, at the end of the day, that stuff can wait a long time if it’s the right thing,” Coen said last week. “And for us to keep moving forward doing the right things, we can wait a long time on that one.”

The Jaguars’ decision to retain General Manager Trent Baalke could influence Coen’s interest in the position. Sources indicate that Coen prefers working with a new front office, a condition that may not be met in Jacksonville. The team’s owner, Shad Khan, has faced criticism for his reluctance to make sweeping organizational changes despite the team’s struggles.

Coen’s focus remains on the Buccaneers’ playoff run, but his future as a head coach appears increasingly likely. With multiple teams expected to express interest, the Jaguars may face stiff competition to secure his services.