After a back-and-forth usually reserved for Wimbledon, the Bucs now know where things are with their now-former offensive coordinator, Liam Coen. After agreeing to become the highest-paid assistant in the NFL, the Bucs offensive play-caller is heading north to Jacksonville to become the head coach of the Jaguars.
Greg Auman of Fox Sports reported late Thursday night that Liam Coen was expected to be named the Jaguars’ head coach.
I can confirm that Liam Coen has notified the Bucs he’s taking the Jaguars’ head coaching job. Wild turn in last two days, taking his name out of Jags’ search to get a nice raise and stay with Bucs, only to change course for much larger raise and top job in Jacksonville.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 24, 2025
For the Jaguars, hope and optimism are now at an all-time high after they fired their longtime general manager, with an approval rating that was less ideal, Trent Baalke. Some people presumed that after being in running for the job earlier this week that Baalke staying deterred Coen from taking the job, thus agreeing to the new deal with the Bucs.
Once the Jaguars fired Baalke, the talks resumed and heated back up.
Albert Breer of MMQB pointed out that Coen’s deal to become the highest-paid assistant coach in the NFL was contingent on his not talking to the Jaguars. Once Coen crossed that line, he was seemingly all in on taking the job.
Now, the Bucs will be looking for a new offensive coordinator. It is worth mentioning that whoever they end up hiring will be Baker Mayfield’s seventh offensive coordinator in as many years in the NFL.