Jaguars' Shad Khan makes feelings crystal clear on hiring Liam Coen as head coach

It was announced earlier today that the Jaguars have signed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to be their next head coach. Hours later, Khan, via NFL insider Tom Pelissero, issued a statement on his hiring.

"To repeat my message earlier this week, I am deeply committed to building a winner here in Jacksonville. I also believe in being judged by action, not words.That’s why I took swift and decisive action this week to hire Liam Coen as the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am pumped that Liam is accepting the challenge and opportunity to build the winner that Jaguars fans and partners fully deserve. I know our players feel the same."

Shortly thereafter, the UMass alum himself released a statement, expressing his excitement for the new opportunity, and thanking Khan for having the belief in him to bring a much-needed change to the Jaguars organization.

“Becoming the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars is an opportunity of a lifetime, and one that I am going to run with to instill a championship culture and winning tradition here in Duval. This doesn’t happen without the support and opportunities that my family and I have been afforded throughout my career, especially during this past season in Tampa Bay. We thank Todd Bowles for his continued support and the entire Buccaneers organization for the experience, and know they will have success ahead.

“Most of all, we are grateful to Shad Khan for his belief in what we will bring to the Jaguars. We will work tirelessly to reward his confidence. As head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, I will hire a first-class coaching staff, establish a distinctive and effective brand of football on both sides of the ball, and our players will live for the black and teal. Shad and Jaguars fans should expect nothing less, and that’s what we plan to deliver and more. My wife Ashley and our family are honored to be here and a part of the Jacksonville community. We are ready to get to work.”

Khan seemingly got exactly what he wanted in his head coaching search. Initial reports indicated that Coen and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson were at the top of the Jaguars owner's list. After Johnson was signed away by the Chicago Bears, Coen instantly became the clear-cut favorite.

Liam Coen Looks To Take Jaguars Back To The Playoffs

The newly minted head coach had his second interview with the Jaguars on Thursday, which is when the two sides began to negotiate a deal. This will be Coen's first head coaching gig, and he'll walk into Jacksonville with some key pieces to build on in the form of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence and star wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Coen and company will get the opportunity to add another key piece to the puzzle this offseason, as the Jaguars hold the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

In the 2024 season, he helped the Buccaneers transform their offense into a top-five unit, making an appearance in the playoffs after winning the NFC South. However, Tampa Bay's season ended with a Wild Card Round defeat to the Washington Commanders 23-20.

Now, Coen will focus on revamping the Jaguars and leading them back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season.