It seems the Jacksonville Jaguars’ search for a new head coach has encountered a setback as one of their primary candidates has opted to withdraw from the interview process. Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen was considered a leading contender for the position, but according to NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, he has chosen to return to Tampa Bay for the upcoming season.
“Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is taking himself out of the running for the Jaguars’ head coaching job to stay in Tampa on a new contract that now will place him amongst the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, per sources,” Schefter said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Bucs are keeping their OC,” Schefter concluded.
Coen, who joined Tampa Bay last season, significantly contributed to transforming the team into one of the league’s top offenses. Under his guidance, the Buccaneers finished No. 3 in total yards and No. 4 in points during 2024. They also ranked No. 4 in rushing and No. 3 in passing offense, leading the club to its fourth consecutive NFC South title. While Coen would have made an excellent addition for the Jaguars, he is no longer interested in the opportunity.
