The search for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new head coach has taken another big hit. After Ben Johnson refused to take over the vacant position, another prime candidate slipped away.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen was considered the best candidate to replace Doug Pederson. However, he has also decided not to join the Jags, and fans are furious.
Liam Coen’s Refusal Creates Uproar Among Jaguars Fans
The Jaguars were confident they could attract top talent due to their talented roster. However, that was not the case. After Johnson accepted the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears, Coen chose to stick with the Bucs.
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news that Coen signed a massive contract extension with the Bucs to remain as their offensive coordinator. This was relayed by NFL reporter Ari Meirov on X (formerly Twitter).
“Bucs OC Liam Coen is signing a new deal to stay in Tampa Bay and has informed the Jaguars that he is withdrawing from consideration for their HC position, per Adam Schefter. Coen was viewed as a top candidate in Jacksonville,” Meirov tweeted.
#Bucs OC Liam Coen is signing a new deal to stay in Tampa Bay and has informed the #Jaguars that he is withdrawing from consideration for their HC position, per @AdamSchefter.
Coen was viewed as a top candidate in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/Mrwxa3gy2H
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 22, 2025
Jaguars fans had already suffered through a disappointing season (4-13). The refusal from Johnson and now from Coen was enough for them to call out ownership and the front office for their failures.
“Trent Baalke and Shad Khan are actively f****** their team,” one fan commented.
“WE ARE FOREVER A POVERTY FRANCHISE,” tweeted a fan.
WE ARE FOREVER A POVERTY FRANCHISE
— Tyson Wilson (@tys0nwils0n) January 22, 2025
“SELL THE TEAM,” one fan added.
“Who in their right mind would want to coach the Jaguars? The entire franchise is embarrassing,” another fan added.
“We’re the laughing stock of the NFL all because of the Khanman,” tweeted another fan.
We’re the laughing stock of the NFL all because of the Khanman @TonyKhan https://t.co/MH4VrrUrVa
— Kale Diestel (@DiestelKale) January 22, 2025
Jaguars’ Head Coach Search Limited to 2 Options
While Johnson and Coen have taken up different jobs, another option still available is Aaron Glenn. However, it’s been reported that Glenn is likely to accept the Jets’ HC opening. This has left them with only two other options.
The Jags have a second interview scheduled this week with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and former New York Jets HC Robert Saleh.
Fans are divided on which choice would be better for the team.
