The Houston Texans will take on a new version of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
After an eventual 72 hours around the Sunshine State, resulting in the firing of a GM, internal betrayal by a beloved play-caller and multiple secret meetings, the Jaguars have found their replacement for Doug Pederson and hopeful long-term guru to fix franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2025 and beyond.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen informed the team Thursday night that he was leaving for the AFC South franchise after initially turning down the deal on Tuesday afternoon.
Coen, who guided Baker Mayfield to a career-best 41 touchdown passes in 2024, was the favorite to land the job after Detriot Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took the Chicago Bears.
Breaking: Liam Coen has informed the Buccaneers that he is taking the Jaguars’ head coaching job, per @JennaLaineESPN. pic.twitter.com/KRPmmEDYYd
— ESPN (@espn) January 24, 2025
After further consideration, Coen took his name out of the running and planned on signing an extension to make him the league’s highest-paid offensive coordinator for Year 2 with Mayfield.
This is where things get interesting. Three weeks after firing Pederson and retaining general manager Trent Baalke, Jacksonville made a change. Baalke hit the exit since nobody wanted the job with him calling the shots and owner Shad Khan reignited conversations with Coen about the opening.
Coen secretly traveled to Jacksonville on Thursday afternoon and met with Khan and interim general manager Ethan Waugh. According to reports, one of the top-selling points for the 39-year-old offensive mind was that he’d have the ability to influence the hire of the next GM.
On Thursday, after speaking with head coach Todd Bowles, Coen told representatives in Tampa he’s be leaving for north Florida in the morning.
Coen was one of 10 candidates the Jaguars interviewed after a 4-13 season. He will be the eighth head coach in franchise history and the third offensive coach in four hires.
Ben Johnson vs. Liam Coen.
Offense ranks in 2024.
Closer than you might realize.#Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/ZLJiiMmGP3
— Andrew Gibson (@1010XLAG) January 24, 2025
The Jaguars were looking to fix Lawrence after a woeful 2024 season. The good news is there are pieces for the team to strike fast this fall. Breakout wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. headlines a weapon’s chest that features tight end Evan Engram, receiver Christian Kirk and running backs Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne are all under contract for another year.
The Jaguars ranked 31st in average yards before first contact per rush (2.15) and 30th in total rushing yards before first contact (1,867) from 2023-24, according to ESPN research.
Houston, which claimed its second straight AFC South title, continues to handle business against the Jaguars, dating back to 2018. In six seasons, the Texans are 11-2 when taking on the Cats of Duval County.
Coen looks to bring a winning culture to EverBank Stadium next fall. It’ll be an uphill battle since the Jaguars have posted 10 double-digit losing seasons in the 13 years under Khan.
