Liam Coen's Rumored Move to Jaguars Stuns NFL Fans After Bucs Contract, Baalke Firing

There's reportedly a new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Jaguars are "expected" to hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Coen was a candidate earlier in the hiring process, although he appeared to be headed back to Tampa Bay before joining the Jaguars.

Fans were surprised by the news.

Coen was considered a candidate for the vacancy, but he initially informed the Jaguars on Wednesday that he was staying with Tampa Bay (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero). Per Pelissero, Jacksonville reached out again after firing general manager Trent Baalke and Coen became an option once more.

Russini previously reported that Jaguars' ownership reached out to him directly, explaining that they'd let him pick their next general manager once Baalke was let go.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Coen had an agreement in place with Tampa Bay regarding a new contract but the deal was never officially signed. He eventually stopped contacting the front office, although he informed Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles of his interest in the Jaguars' opening (via ESPN's Adam Schefter).

Coen spent the 2024 season in Tampa Bay after operating as Kentucky's offensive coordinator in 2023. He also served as offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams during the 2022 season.

The Buccaneers clinched a playoff berth with a record of 10-7, owning the fourth-best scoring offense in the NFL with an average of 29.5 points per game.

Now, Coen will reportedly take over in Jacksonville as the Jaguars look to bounce back after missing the playoffs in two straight seasons.