NFL Rumors: Liam Coen 'a Top Name to Watch' for Jaguars HC amid Ben Johnson Buzz

After interviewing coveted coaching candidate Ben Johnson during the Detroit Lions' first-round bye in the NFC Playoffs, the Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly turning their attention to another hot-shot offensive coordinator.

According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Jaguars are interviewing Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Liam Coen on Wednesday, and he's "believed to be a top name to watch" for Jacksonville's opening.

It makes sense that the Jaguars won't put all of their eggs into the Johnson basket, as he's viewed as one of the top candidates on the market who could land any job he chooses.

In addition to Jacksonville, he also interviewed with the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots last week. The Patriots chose to hire Mike Vrabel, but Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Wednesday that there's "a lot of momentum building" between Johnson and the Raiders.

If the Jaguars lose out on Johnson, Coen would be an intriguing fallback option. Upon joining the Buccaneers for the 2024 season, he helped the team finish third in the NFL in total offense with 399.5 yards per game and fourth in scoring with 29.5 points per game.

Tampa Bay star quarterback Baker Mayfield had the best season of his seven-year career under Coen's direction, recording career highs of 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 71.4 percent passing. Coen was also able to get the best out of rookie running back Bucky Irving, as the 2024 fourth-round pick led the team with 207 carries for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Jaguars have similarly talented pieces on offense like quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne Jr. and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., so an offensive-minded coach like Coen would undoubtedly be a strong fit. However, Schultz pointed out that Jacksonville's "search is still considered early," so the team will be doing its due diligence before making its eventual hire.