Why Liam Coen Is the NFL’s Most Exciting Young Coach
Liam Coen is the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, hired on January 24, 2025, at just 39 years old. He’s one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL and comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, known for his ability to transform offenses.
Quick Facts About Liam Coen:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Head Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars (2025-present) |
| Age | 39 (youngest HC in Jaguars history) |
| Previous Role | Offensive Coordinator, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024) |
| 2024 Achievement | Led Bucs to 3rd in total yards (399.5/game), 4th in points (29.5/game) |
| First Season Record | 13-4 regular season, AFC South champions |
| Playing Career | UMass QB (2004-2008), holds 6 career passing records |
| Coaching Philosophy | Balanced offense, play-action heavy, quarterback-friendly |
If you’re trying to understand who’s shaping the future of the Jacksonville Jaguars, you need to know Liam Coen’s story. It’s a rapid rise from college quarterback to one of the most sought-after offensive minds in football.
Coen didn’t just walk into success. He earned it through years of grinding as a position coach, learning under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, and proving himself as an offensive coordinator at both the college and professional levels. His 2024 season with Tampa Bay was a masterclass in offensive coordination—he transformed Baker Mayfield into a career-best version of himself and turned the NFL’s worst rushing offense into a top-five unit.
What makes Coen special isn’t just the stats. It’s his ability to adapt his scheme to his players’ strengths. Whether coaching at the University of Kentucky or with the Buccaneers, he’s shown a knack for getting the most out of quarterbacks, running backs, and offensive lines. His father remembers him drawing up wishbone offenses on a chalkboard at age four—this is someone who was born to coach football.
Now, as the youngest head coach in Jaguars history, Coen faces his biggest challenge yet: building a winning culture around franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence and leading Jacksonville back to sustained playoff success.
From Record-Setting Quarterback to Coaching Prodigy
Before Liam Coen became one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching stars, he was a record-setting quarterback. His journey in football began long before he ever stepped onto a professional sideline, rooted deeply in his playing days and an innate passion for the game.
Liam Coen‘s background in football starts with an impressive collegiate career at the University of Massachusetts (UMass). He was a four-year starter for the UMass Minutemen from 2004 to 2008, where he didn’t just play—he rewrote the record books. He holds six of the eight UMass career passing records, a testament to his talent and consistency on the field. These records include an astounding 11,031 passing yards and 90 touchdown passes, along with impressive marks in completions, attempts, completion percentage, passer efficiency, and yards per pass attempt. His remarkable achievements were recognized when he was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022, solidifying his legacy as a Minutemen legend. You can read more about this significant achievement here: Liam Coen Enters Massachusetts Athletics Hall of Fame.
Following his standout college career, Coen transitioned to professional football, playing for two seasons in the Arena Football League (af2) and the Arena Football League itself. He played for the Manchester Wolves in af2 and the Alabama Vipers in the Arena Football League. This playing experience, while brief, gave him invaluable insight into the professional game from a player’s perspective, which would later inform his coaching philosophy.
What’s truly fascinating about Liam Coen is that his early coaching passion wasn’t something that developed later in life; it was present from a remarkably young age. His father’s influence was profound. We hear anecdotes of a four-year-old Liam Coen carefully drawing up wishbone offenses on a chalkboard. He wasn’t like other kids watching cartoons; he was interested in tapes of his father’s high school team, narrating games from another room, and even using pillows to simulate diving catches. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was an early indication of a lifelong student of the game, destined for the sidelines.
The Foundation of a Football Mind
Even in his youth, Liam Coen was immersed in football. He attended La Salle Academy, where his dedication to the sport continued to grow. It’s said he wore jersey number 12 in honor of his idol, Tom Brady, a subtle nod to the kind of precision and leadership he admired in a quarterback. During his time at UMass, he even shared a dorm room with future NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz, suggesting he was always surrounded by talent and a high-level understanding of the game.
These early experiences—from drawing up plays as a toddler to playing alongside future NFL stars—laid the groundwork for the astute football mind we see today. His deep understanding of offensive schemes, combined with his experience as a player, provided him with a unique perspective that would prove invaluable as he climbed the coaching ranks. He truly embodies the idea of a lifelong student of the game, constantly analyzing, learning, and refining his approach to football.
The Sean McVay Protégé: A Masterclass in Offense
Liam Coen‘s coaching journey is perhaps most notably defined by his association with the renowned Sean McVay coaching tree. This lineage has profoundly influenced his coaching philosophy, shaping him into the offensive guru he is today.
Our research shows that Liam Coen is a direct product of the Sean McVay coaching tree, a group of coaches known for their innovative and high-powered offensive schemes. He first joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 as an assistant wide receivers coach, later moving to assistant quarterbacks coach. This period, working alongside one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds in Los Angeles, a city we know well, was crucial for his development. He later returned to the Rams in 2022 as their offensive coordinator.
His coaching philosophy, deeply rooted in the McVay system, emphasizes a balanced offensive attack. This means creating schemes that are effective in both passing and rushing, utilizing play-action concepts, and incorporating pre-snap motion to create mismatches and confuse defenses. The goal is always to create a quarterback-friendly system that maximizes the strengths of his players. This approach is systematic, adaptable, and, as his track record shows, highly effective.
Beyond his time with the Rams, Liam Coen also served as an offensive coordinator for the University of Kentucky. This experience in both collegiate and professional settings has given him a broad perspective on player development and scheme implementation, allowing him to refine his approach across different levels of the game.
Revitalizing College and Pro Offenses
Liam Coen‘s ability to revitalize offenses has been evident at every stop in his career. His two stints as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Kentucky, in 2021 and 2023, were particularly impactful. Under his guidance, the Wildcats experienced two of the highest-scoring single seasons in school history. In 2021, he helped lead Kentucky to an impressive 10–3 record, capped off by a 20–17 victory over Iowa in the 2022 Citrus Bowl. This success demonstrated his capacity to lift college programs and develop collegiate talent.
His experience with the Los Angeles Rams further solidified his reputation. During his tenure with the Rams, the offense consistently ranked highly in key categories. For instance, in 2018, the Rams averaged 248.1 passing yards per game (6th in the league) and boasted a 41.9% third-down conversion rate (8th in the league). He coached receivers like Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks, who both topped 1,200 yards in 2018, and Cooper Kupp, who surpassed 1,100 receiving yards in 2019. This direct involvement in developing elite NFL talent speaks volumes about his coaching acumen and ability to integrate players into a high-functioning offensive system.
The Tampa Bay Turnaround: Liam Coen’s Breakout Season
The 2024 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was truly Liam Coen‘s breakout moment, a masterclass in offensive coordination that undoubtedly paved his way to becoming a head coach. His accomplishments as Offensive Coordinator for the Buccaneers were nothing short of remarkable.
Under Coen’s direction, the Buccaneers’ offense underwent a stunning change. In 2023, the Bucs were ranked 23rd in total yards (313.0 per game) and 20th in points (20.5 per game). Fast forward to 2024, and under Liam Coen, the Buccaneers’ offense soared to third in yards (399.5) and fourth in points (29.5) per game. This dramatic improvement wasn’t just about passing; it was a testament to his balanced approach. The Buccaneers in 2024 were the only team in the NFL to rank in the Top 5 in both rushing and passing offensively, finishing fourth with 149.2 yards per game rushing and third with 250.4 yards per game passing.
Perhaps one of the most impressive feats was his revitalization of the Buccaneers’ rushing attack. He transformed what was the NFL’s worst-ranked rush offense in 2022 and 2023 into a ground game that finished third in yards per rush and fourth in rush yards per game in 2024. This turnaround is a clear indicator of his strategic prowess and ability to identify and rectify weaknesses.
Liam Coen also played a pivotal role in the career-best season for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Under Coen’s guidance, Mayfield achieved career highs in passer rating (106.8), completion percentage (71.4 percent), passing touchdowns (41), and passing yards (4,500). This is a prime example of Coen’s quarterback-friendly system at work, tailoring the offense to maximize his signal-caller’s potential.
The Buccaneers also made NFL history under Coen in 2024, becoming the first team to complete 70 percent of their passes and average over 5.0 yards per carry for an entire season. They set single-season franchise records for completion percentage (71.5%), passer rating (106.8), yards per rush (5.3), rushing yards (2,536), and third-down conversion rate (50.9%). These are not just impressive statistics; they highlight a truly dominant and historically efficient offense. For more detailed coaching statistics, you can refer to his Coaching profile at Pro Football Reference.
Let’s look at the incredible turnaround in Tampa Bay:
| Category | Buccaneers 2023 (Pre-Coen) | Buccaneers 2024 (Under Coen) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards/Game Rank | 23rd (313.0) | 3rd (399.5) |
| Points/Game Rank | 20th (20.5) | 4th (29.5) |
| Rushing Yards/Game Rank | (Worst in NFL 2022/2023) | 4th (149.2) |
| Passing Yards/Game Rank | 3rd (250.4) |
This table clearly illustrates the profound impact Liam Coen had on the Buccaneers’ offense in just one season.
How Liam Coen’s Scheme Lifts Players
One of Liam Coen‘s most remarkable talents is his ability to tailor his schemes to the players he has, rather than forcing players into a rigid system. This philosophy of adaptability and player-centric design is a cornerstone of his success. His quarterback-friendly system, for instance, focuses on maximizing the strengths of the signal-caller, as seen with Baker Mayfield’s career year.
Beyond the quarterback, Coen’s impact extends to other key positions. He oversaw offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs’ Pro Bowl and first-team AP All-Pro season, demonstrating his ability to develop talent across the offensive line. Wide receiver Mike Evans continued his NFL-record-tying streak of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons under Coen. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the development of rookies, with running back Bucky Irving leading all rookies in scrimmage and rushing yards, and wide receiver Jalen McMillan tying for second in rookie receiving touchdowns. This track record of developing both established veterans and promising newcomers highlights his holistic approach to offensive success.
Liam Coen is also keen on building a strong coaching staff around him. We saw this in action with the Jacksonville Jaguars when they brought in Brian Picucci as their run game coordinator. Picucci had previously worked with Coen at the Buccaneers in 2024 and even before that at the University of Kentucky. This reunion signifies Coen’s trust in familiar faces and his ability to attract talented coaches who understand and can execute his offensive vision. This move was reported by Adam Schefter: January 25, 2026 Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Brian Picucci from Tampa Bay as their run game coordinator, per source. He and Jaguars HC Liam Coen worked together in Tampa in 2024 on an offense that finished third in total yards, fourth in points scored, and fourth in rushing.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)January…. These strategic staff hires are crucial for implementing his offensive system effectively and ensuring seamless execution.
The Liam Coen Era Begins in Jacksonville
The announcement on January 24, 2025, that Liam Coen would become the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars marked a pivotal moment for the franchise. At 39 years old, he became one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL and, notably, the youngest head coach in Jaguars history. This hiring wasn’t just about bringing in a new face; it was a bold statement about the Jaguars’ broader strategy and their commitment to building a modern, high-powered offense.
Prior to his hiring as head coach, Liam Coen did not have any direct history with the Jaguars organization. His journey to Jacksonville was a direct result of his impressive track record as an offensive coordinator, particularly his transformative season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His hiring fits perfectly into the broader strategy of the Jacksonville Jaguars organization, which is clearly focused on maximizing the potential of their franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, and establishing an elite offensive identity. The Jaguars are betting on Coen’s innovative offensive mind, his experience within the successful Sean McVay coaching tree, and his proven ability to develop quarterbacks and create balanced, efficient offenses. This move signals a clear intent to lift the team’s offensive production and compete at the highest level.
Liam Coen is expected to have a profound impact primarily on the offensive schemes of the Jaguars. Given his background, we anticipate a system that is dynamic, incorporates play-action, uses pre-snap motion, and is designed to be highly adaptable to the strengths of his players, especially Trevor Lawrence. While his direct influence on the defensive scheme will be through his leadership as head coach, his offensive philosophy is expected to set the tone for the entire team, aiming for high-scoring, efficient drives that keep the defense fresh.
First Season Success and Future Challenges
In his inaugural season as head coach, Liam Coen delivered immediate results. The Jaguars finished atop the AFC South with an impressive 13-4 record, a testament to his leadership and the successful implementation of his vision. This performance exceeded many expectations and solidified the team’s position as a contender. However, their playoff debut ended in a narrow 27-24 Wild Card Round loss against the Buffalo Bills, providing a valuable but tough lesson in the unforgiving nature of postseason football.
The expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars under Liam Coen‘s leadership in the upcoming seasons are undoubtedly high. After a 13-4 debut, fans and analysts alike will be looking for continued success and, crucially, a deeper run in the playoffs. The biggest challenges Liam Coen might face as a new head coach include managing these heightened expectations, navigating the complexities of being a first-time head coach in the NFL, and consistently adapting his schemes to counter evolving league trends and opponent strategies. He will need to continue to foster player development, maintain team morale through the inevitable ups and downs of an NFL season, and translate regular-season dominance into postseason victories.
Building a Partnership with Trevor Lawrence
A critical component of Liam Coen‘s success in Jacksonville will be his relationship and partnership with franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Coen’s track record of developing quarterbacks, from his collegiate days to his work with Baker Mayfield, positions him perfectly to lift Lawrence’s game.
Liam Coen‘s coaching philosophy is inherently quarterback-friendly, focusing on tailoring plays to the specific strengths of his signal-caller. This approach is ideal for maximizing Trevor Lawrence’s immense talent. We expect Coen to implement an offensive scheme that provides Lawrence with clear reads, diverse play-calling options, and opportunities to make game-changing plays, all while minimizing mistakes. Their collaboration will be central to the Jaguars’ offensive identity and overall success.
Here are some key offensive players to watch under Liam Coen‘s guidance, as his scheme aims to maximize their potential:
- Trevor Lawrence (QB): The centerpiece of the offense, expected to reach new career highs under Coen’s mentorship.
- Travis Etienne Jr. (RB): A versatile back who should thrive in a balanced offense that emphasizes both rushing and receiving.
- Christian Kirk (WR): A reliable veteran who can excel in Coen’s scheme that often creates opportunities for receivers.
- Evan Engram (TE): A dynamic tight end who can be a key target in play-action and red-zone situations.
- Brian Thomas Jr. (WR): A promising young receiver whose development will be crucial in Coen’s system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Liam Coen
To help our readers better understand this rising star in the NFL, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about Liam Coen.
Who is Liam Coen?
Liam Coen is the current head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, appointed on January 24, 2025. He is a former college quarterback who played at UMass, where he set numerous passing records. Coen is widely recognized as a brilliant offensive mind, having served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, the University of Kentucky, and most recently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he orchestrated one of the league’s most explosive offenses in 2024.
What is Liam Coen’s coaching style?
Liam Coen‘s coaching style is heavily influenced by the Sean McVay system, under whom he coached with the Los Angeles Rams. His philosophy emphasizes a balanced offense that excels in both passing and rushing, making it difficult for defenses to predict. His scheme is characterized by the use of play-action, pre-snap motion, and a design that is inherently quarterback-friendly. Coen is known for his ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players, rather than forcing players into a rigid mold, which has led to significant improvements in offensive production and individual player performance at every stop in his career.
How successful was Liam Coen’s first season with the Jaguars?
In his first season as head coach, Liam Coen led the Jacksonville Jaguars to an impressive 13-4 record, securing the AFC South division title. This marked a significant achievement for the franchise under his new leadership. The team qualified for the playoffs but ultimately lost in the Wild Card round to the Buffalo Bills with a final score of 27-24. Despite the playoff exit, his inaugural season was widely considered a strong success, demonstrating his immediate impact on the team’s performance.
Conclusion: The Bright Future of a Rising Star
From a record-setting quarterback at UMass to a highly sought-after offensive coordinator, and now the youngest head coach in Jacksonville Jaguars history, Liam Coen‘s career trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. His journey is a testament to an unwavering passion for football, a keen offensive mind honed under the tutelage of Sean McVay, and a proven ability to transform offenses and lift player performance.
His remarkable season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, where he turned a struggling offense into a top-tier unit, set the stage for his move to Jacksonville. With his player-centric philosophy and innovative schemes, Liam Coen is ready to make a significant impact on the NFL for years to come. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the future looks incredibly bright under his leadership, especially with the continued development of Trevor Lawrence at the helm. We expect to see a dynamic, high-powered offense that will consistently compete for championships.
At R. Couri Hay Creative Public Relations, we love to highlight the individuals who are shaping sports and entertainment, bringing their unique talents and stories to the forefront. Liam Coen is undoubtedly one of those individuals, and we will be watching his continued success with great interest. For more on the biggest names in sports and entertainment, check out our gossip column.