The Jaguars are one of five teams currently seeking out a head coaching hire. A long list of candidates have been connected to the position, but an early contender may have emerged. 
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is meeting today with Jacksonville. No other team has requested an interview to this point, something which makes him stand out compared to more in-demand HC candidates. He will remain a candidate to monitor closely in this situation, however.
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports Coen is “believed to be a top name to watch” regarding Jacksonville’s head coaching gig. To no surprise, Doug Pederson was dismissed after the 2024 campaign, his third in Duval County. The former Eagles Super Bowl winner comes from an offensive background, and teams often move in a different direction in that regard when replacing coaches. A number of candidates on the Jags’ radar are offensive coordinators, though, so Coen is one of many staffers whose success on that side of the ball could make him attractive as the team looks to maximize quarterback Trevor Lawrence‘s potential.
From 2018-23, Coen alternated between Sean McVay‘s Rams staff and time at Kentucky. That period gave him offensive coordinator experience at the college and NFL levels (although he did not call plays in Los Angeles). The 39-year-old took charge of the Buccaneers’ offense this season, and his success in that endeavor has not gone unnoticed. Tampa Bay ranked top-four in the NFL in passing and rushing yards per game in 2024, and it was reported in December Coen would likely be involved in this year’s head coaching carousel.
Jacksonville is one of the long list of suitors for Lions OC Ben Johnson, who is believed to be intrigued by the prospect of taking over the Jaguars. Johnson has several other potential landing spots, of course, and the Raiders have recently emerged as the top option in that regard. Especially if Johnson ends up being unavailable for the Jaguars, Coen could be a target for a second interview when the team narrows down its list of finalists. As Schultz notes, Jacksonville’s search process is far from finished at this point.
Via PFR’s head coaching search tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand with the Jaguars:
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): To interview 1/15; early contender?
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview 1/17
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/11
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Rumored candidate
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/14
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Patriots
Look if he leaves Tampa so be it!
I was furious with the ‘Game Plan’ on both sides of the ball that the so called Genius’ came up with for the Buccaneers
If Coen leaves
I want Gruden back or McCarthy
After a dozen years, it’s clear Shad is still in way over his head.