Liam Coen became just the seventh coach in NFL history to win thirteen games in their first season.
When Liam Coen first arrived to the Jacksonville Jaguars, his introduction went over as well as most introductions do. He had his doubters upon arrival, with his “will they won’t they” process raising eyebrows. Speaking of eye brows, who could forget that one he raised during his infamous Duval chant. The rest of it was disregarded by most. He came off to some as a car salesman of sorts; selling you on something that wasn’t as he said. Coen wasn’t just taking over a discouraged 4-13 team, he was tasks helping former first overall pick Trevor Lawrence meet expectations.
The coaching staff made it their priority to “fix” Trevor Lawrence, with results not taking fruition until later in the season. It’s unsurprising considering the learning curve that comes with Coen’s offense. To start the year they were all over the place, leading the league in pre-snap penalties halfway through the season. Most things in the NFL take time, and the Jaguars were able to buy time by winning while not playing their best ball. After the bye week, Coen’s vision started to come into reality. All of the skepticism resulted in the Jaguars finishing as AFC South champions following an eight game win streak.
The Jaguars this season didn’t feel like the Jaguars of years past. Most people see the Jaguars logo and think of losing football. It’s part of the reason why it took the entire season for the national media to realize they should start talking about the Jaguars. Of course it’s hard to blame them after the disastrous season they experienced in 2024, the reason they hired Liam Coen in the first place. He and his staff have turned things around, turning Jacksonville into a model of success in the NFL.
The Jaguars averaged 27.8 points per game this season on offense, playing at their best after the bye week scoring 33.8 points per game. The defense coached by former Packers Linebackers coach/running game coordinator Anthony Campanile turned into a cohesive unit. The Jaguars forced 31 turnovers this season, the second most in the league. Opportunistic is a good description of this Jacksonville team, as Jaguars took control of the AFC South and never looked back. Now the Jaguars get the opportunity to host the Buffalo Bills at home in this year’s Wildcard round.
This year’s coaching cycle was one for the history books, with multiple saving once lost franchises. Former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel turned around the New England Patriots. Ben Johnson fled the reigning NFC North Champion Detroit Lions for the Chicago Bears, winning the NFC North. Liam Coen joined the Jaguars and led them to their second most wins in a season in franchise history. It’s an impressive resume for all of them, each more than worthy of winning coach of the year. But the real coach of the year is probably the one that raises the Lombardi at seasons end.
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