NFL Rumors: Bucs 'Irate' over Liam Coen's Actions Prior to Taking Jaguars HC Job

The strange saga that reportedly ended with Liam Coen deciding to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars is not sitting well with his now-former employer.

Appearing on Friday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter explained the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are "irate" over Coen's actions prior to accepting the Jags job.

It appeared Coen was going to return for a second season with the Bucs as offensive coordinator in 2025. He withdrew from consideration for the Jaguars job on Wednesday and was going to sign a new deal with Tampa Bay.

Per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Coen's extension with the Bucs was going to make him one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in the NFL with an annual salary close to $4.5 million.

A few hours after Coen's decision, the Jaguars announced a parting of ways with general manager Trent Baalke. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported on Thursday that Coen was in Jacksonville for a second interview with the team.

Per The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Coen informed the Bucs he was taking the Jaguars job.

In between Coen's interview and being hired by the Jaguars, he was reportedly doing his best to avoid all contact with Buccaneers officials.

ESPN's Jenna Laine did note Coen reached out to Bucs head coach Todd Bowles to let him know he was interviewing with the Jaguars.

Despite the roundabout way this whole thing happened, the Jaguars should be very happy with how it worked out. Not only did they fire Baalke, which should have happened immediately after the regular season ended anyway, but they landed an intriguing coach with a terrific background in developing quarterbacks to work with Trevor Lawrence.

Coen has four years of experience working with Sean McVay during his time with the Los Angeles Rams. His one season as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay produced the best year of Baker Mayfield's career, including 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.

The Buccaneers are absolutely right to feel like they were jilted, but the bigger frustration is having to replace Coen after a terrific offensive performance in 2024.