Liam Coen did a nice job as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator this season, and his handiwork helped them finish first in the NFC South.
It looked like he would be staying put when he reportedly agreed on the terms of an extension to continue in his role with Tampa Bay, even though the Jacksonville Jaguars had interest in hiring him to be their new head coach.
But now, Coen reportedly talked to the Jaguars again about that head coaching opening, and one insider raised an eyebrow about the development.
“I’d say it’s curious that the day came and went without a signing and announcement from the Bucs on a new deal for Liam Coen,” Greg Auman of FOX Sports wrote on X.
I’d say it’s curious that the day came and went without a signing and announcement from the Bucs on a new deal for Liam Coen. https://t.co/3MhFM4fOsD
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 23, 2025
Coen reportedly was out of touch with the Buccaneers for most of the day, and there is growing speculation that he will ultimately become head coach of the Jaguars.
Generally speaking, many people consider it morally wrong for someone to renege on even a verbal agreement that was made to an organization.
Despite what Coen did to help Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield reach even greater heights after a breakout campaign in 2023, the situation in Jacksonville isn’t terribly attractive for any candidate.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had an anemic 2024 campaign, and the team went 4-13 and finished near the bottom of the NFL in multiple metrics on both sides of the football.
However, Jacksonville has fired Trent Baalke, who had been their general manager since 2020, and perhaps that has led to a change of heart by Coen.
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