.jpeg)
Here’s a rewritten version of your text with improved flow and structure:
TAMPA — Liam Coen’s decision to stay with the Buccaneers was made without guarantees.
Unlike the Patriots’ arrangement with Jerod Mayo, Coen's contract includes no "coach-in-waiting" provisions. Still, he evidently saw remaining in Tampa Bay as the most promising move for his career.
Instead of traveling to Jacksonville on Wednesday to interview for the Jaguars’ head coaching position—a role many believe was his to lose—Coen opted to withdraw from consideration. He is expected to sign a new deal with the Buccaneers, making him one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in the NFL. The contract is reportedly worth up to $4.5 million annually, comparable to what the Eagles pay defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
At 39, Coen has a prime opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, which could lead to even better head coaching prospects in the future. His decision mirrors the path taken by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who returned to Detroit for the 2024 season. Johnson’s patience paid off; after the Lions' playoff run ended in a divisional loss to the Commanders, he was named head coach of the Bears just three days later.
By retaining Coen, the Buccaneers secure stability for an offense that achieved historic success this past season. The team improved from 23rd in total offense (313 yards per game) in 2023 to third (399.5 yards) and finished fourth in scoring, averaging 29.5 points per game. Coen’s continued presence will also prevent Tampa Bay from hiring a fourth offensive coordinator in as many years. Dave Canales departed after the 2023 season to become head coach of the Panthers.
This season, Coen and Mayfield formed a dynamic partnership. Mayfield shattered personal records, throwing for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and completing 71% of his passes.
A few weeks ago, Coen expressed that while becoming an NFL head coach is his ultimate aspiration, he is content to wait for the right opportunity.
“Does that need to happen when I’m 39 years old and having probably the most fun of my life coaching and working and being here? No, that doesn’t mean that needs to occur right now,” Coen said. “But yeah, that is the goal. That is absolutely the goal. But like I said before, that goal can hold off for a while here and continue to do what we’re doing. That would be pretty special.”
Indeed, Coen’s offense was special this season. In addition to Mayfield’s record-breaking year, rookie standouts made significant contributions. Running back Bucky Irving became the first Buccaneer to rush for 1,000 yards since Doug Martin in 2015, while receiver Jalen McMillan capped off the regular season with seven touchdown receptions in his final five games, leading the NFL during that span.
Coen was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the Jaguars’ head coaching job and was scheduled to interview alongside Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and former Jets head coach Robert Saleh. However, hours after Coen withdrew from contention, the Jaguars announced they were parting ways with general manager Trent Baalke.
.jpeg&description=Bucs Offensive Coordinator to Be Named Jaguars Head Coach){kind=link}
0 Comments