JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have introduced their new head coach, Liam Coen, who emphasizes the importance of his players performing “through the echo of the whistle” and embracing a competitive edge. This mentality is something the team has been missing for a significant time, particularly in the last two decades.
Coen expressed his thoughts on the physicality of the game, stating, “It’s a violent game. They have to be that way. I want them to play that way.” He believes that instilling this mindset is essential for shifting the trajectory of the Jaguars, who have faced struggles over the years.
The announcement of Coen’s appointment came on Monday, just three days after he finalized a five-year deal with the club. Owner Shad Khan made a decisive move by letting go of general manager Trent Baalke to facilitate Coen’s hiring. Initially, Coen had indicated he would remain in his role as offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay, but Khan managed to persuade him to rethink and take on the position of the Jaguars’ eighth head coach in the franchise’s history.
Khan fondly referred to the conversation he had with Coen, saying, “He was extremely convincing.” Coen now finds himself in a unique position to play a pivotal role in selecting a new general manager as part of a fresh start for the franchise.
One of the foundational aspects Coen is focusing on is quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s development. Khan emphasized the need for an offensive-minded coach to maximize Lawrence’s potential, especially following his hefty contract extension worth $275 million over five years. “The fundamental thing that we need to address and the No. 1 thing, obviously, is the quarterback position and our commitment to Trevor,” Khan stated, reinforcing their confidence in the young signal-caller.
Coen, at 39, previously led one of the most efficient offensive teams in Tampa Bay’s franchise history during 2024, where the Buccaneers achieved third in the NFL in yards and fourth in points per game. He set impressive records, becoming the first NFL coordinator in over 25 years to maintain averages exceeding 28 points a game, over 6 yards per play, a third-down conversion rate surpassing 50%, and a red-zone touchdown score of 65%.
He is optimistic about working with Lawrence, who has faced injury challenges in his first two seasons, missing a total of eight games. “When I went and watched his response to negative plays…I felt like he always responded,” Coen noted, reflecting on Lawrence’s resilience during challenging moments.
Coen aims to reshape the playing style with a clear vision for the Jaguars, which includes playing fast, fundamentally sound football while being mentally and physically tough. Despite the struggles of the previous regime, where the Jaguars lost 18 of their last 23 games, Coen understands the need for an identity, stating, “It is players over plays.”
Creating a strong team culture is one of the main objectives for Coen moving forward. He has already initiated discussions with Lawrence and defensive end Josh Hines-Allen about fostering unity and open communication within the team. “I heard guys that are yearning for more…just everybody being on the same page,” Coen said, showcasing his commitment to enhancing team dynamics.
In his early efforts, Coen has begun to make changes to the coaching staff. He interviewed Daronte Jones, the defensive backs coach from Minnesota, for the defensive coordinator role. He also retained special teams coach Heath Farwell, who had previously signed a three-year contract, recognizing the success of the special teams unit that included Pro Bowl selections for punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik. “That was a no-brainer,” Coen concluded about the decision to keep Farwell.
