What Hiring Liam Coen Would Really Mean

BREAKING: Liam Coen in advanced talks to become Jaguars offensive coordinator

I can confirm the Jacksonville Jaguars have moved quickly on Liam Coen. The Buccaneers have granted permission, and Coen is in advanced talks to become Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator. A formal interview is set. Barring a late snag, the Jaguars want him to lead their offense and coach Trevor Lawrence into the next phase.

What I am hearing

Jacksonville’s decision makers targeted Coen early. They want a clear identity, stronger play action, and a cleaner run game. Coen checks every box. He comes from Sean McVay’s system, and his play calling is quarterback friendly. His offenses tie the run and pass together. They stress defenses with motion and tight formations. He has done it in the NFL and the SEC.

Tampa Bay expected this interest. Coen joined the Buccaneers in early 2024 after Dave Canales left for a head coaching job. He adjusted to personnel and leaned into his strengths. He built around timing, play action, and defined reads. That approach fits what Jacksonville believes Lawrence needs right now.

What Coen’s offense looks like

Coen believes in wide zone runs, under center snaps, and heavy play action. He uses condensed splits to create traffic and leverage. Pre snap motion is a constant. The ball comes out on time, and the reads are clear for the quarterback.

• Wide zone and duo to set the table, then layered play action shot plays
• Condensed formations that open space outside and create easy picks within the rules
• Motion to gain leverage and tell the quarterback the coverage
• Formations that look the same, run or pass, to stress the defense

This style travels well. It held up in Los Angeles and Lexington. It helps a quarterback breathe when games get tight. It also brings the run game back to life, which supports late leads and red zone finishing.

The track record, stop by stop

At Kentucky in 2021, Coen modernized the attack and unlocked Will Levis. The Wildcats pushed the ball off play action, hit crossers, and ran with purpose. They looked organized and dangerous every week. Coen returned to Kentucky in 2023 and again brought structure, motion, and better quarterback answers.

With the Rams in 2022, Coen operated inside McVay’s core system. The season was bumpy because of injuries, but the framework was clear. Wide zone. Boots. Keepers. Crossers. The offense kept its identity and gave the quarterback clean throws when the line held up.

In Tampa Bay in 2024, he took over an offense that needed continuity with new ideas. He kept the quarterback on schedule and designed shot plays off outside zone. He used motion to free receivers at the snap. His approach favored quick decisions and high percentage throws, with selective deep strikes. That is exactly where the league is going.

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What this means for Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence

If the Jaguars close this deal, expect more snaps under center. Expect more motion. Expect more easy buttons for Lawrence on first down. Coen will ask the run game to carry weight, which helps the quarterback on third down and in the red zone. Travis Etienne fits the wide zone track. Christian Kirk thrives on motion releases and option routes. Evan Engram is a perfect move tight end for this design, a catch-and-run creator who can win in space.

Coen’s call sheet will give Lawrence rhythm throws early. Then it will layer deep overs, posts, and glance routes once safeties squeeze the run. The goal is fewer hero plays and more consistent drives. Explosives will still come, as a product of structure, not chaos.

There is culture attached to this hire too. McVay tree coaches coach details. Receivers block. Tight ends move and adjust. Backs press the aiming point and cut decisively. Practices feel like clinics. Players know why a play is called, not just what it is. That clarity builds trust and speed.

The stakes and the next steps

Timing matters. The Jaguars want their coordinator set so personnel plans can follow. Coen is also a name that pulls interest every winter, in the NFL and in college. Jacksonville is pushing to get this done. Tampa Bay prepared for this scenario, but it is never easy to lose a play caller you value.

Coen is 38, battle tested in two leagues, and fluent in a system that consistently helps quarterbacks. He has guided an SEC program, worked with Super Bowl minds, and brought those lessons to a playoff locker room. His fit with Lawrence is natural. The Jaguars need efficient offense in big moments. Coen lives in that world.

Conclusion

I expect movement soon. The Jaguars have made their choice, and it is Liam Coen. If the deal closes, Jacksonville gets an identity and a teacher. Lawrence gets a plan that protects him and allows his talent to shine. The AFC South just felt the ground shift, and the Jaguars know it.