Liam Coen to Become Head Coach of Jacksonville Jaguars, Reversing Earlier Decision
In a stunning reversal, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen has told the team he is taking the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coaching job. The decision was made public Thursday night, one day after Coen said he was out of the running for the position.
The source close to the situation confirmed the news to *USA TODAY Sports*, speaking on the condition of anonymity since the deal has not been finalized. Coen’s unexpected reversal adds a significant development to the ongoing NFL offseason drama.
The Buccaneers allegedly were keen on retaining Coen and had offered him an offer that would have made him the league’s highest-paid offensive coordinator. Yet Coen, despite this, decided to pursue the opportunity and run the Jacksonville show as head coach.
The Jaguars relieved head coach Doug Pederson of his duties just last season. It was less than a year ago that he began his tenure. Now general manager Trent Baalke is leaving after being with the organization under expectation to stick around. On Wednesday afternoon Jaguars owner Shad Khan announced Baalke’s dismissal in a sweeping organizational move.
After several meetings with Trent Baalke this week, we both came to the agreement that it’s in our best mutual interest to part ways amicably, effective immediately,” Khan said in a statement. “Trent is leaving us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the last five years.”
Meanwhile, Ethan Waugh has been named the general manager of the team, according to Khan.
According to reports, Coen held a meeting with the Jaguars’ leadership team on Thursday and confirmed the terms of his new position. Jacksonville becomes one of the first teams in the NFL to complete their head coach selection in the offseason with this appointment.
Of the seven openings, four head coaching positions are already filled, and that number now includes the Jaguars. Jacksonville joins the ranks of other teams who have also recently named their head coaches: the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. There are three more head coaching openings for the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints.
Liam Coen’s arrival in Jacksonville brings new hope to a team looking to rebuild and get back to the status of an NFL contender. Innovative offensive schemes have been one of the hallmarks of his career as coordinator, so all eyes will be on how he fares in this new role as he attempts to right the ship of the Jaguars.
