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Liam Coen Taking Heat For How He Handled Contract Situation

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 7:05 PM ET

On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen appeared to take himself out of the running for head coaching jobs around the league.

Coen reportedly informed the Jacksonville Jaguars of his intention to remain in Tampa Bay on a new contract, but he seems to have changed his mind less than 24 hours later.

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Coen last spoke to the Buccaneers yesterday. The team has attempted to reach out to him, but has been unable to do so.

Stroud says that Coen chose to meet with Jaguars owner Shad Khan in Jacksonville instead of signing his contract in Tampa.

Coen now appears to be the frontrunner for the Jacksonville job just one day after saying he was no longer interested.

Coen had not spoken to the Bucs since yesterday afternoon. They tried to reach him and have been unable to. Instead of signing his contract, which was a formality, he secretly traveled to Jacksonville to meet with Jags owner Shad Kahn.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 23, 2025

Fans couldn't believe how the situation has unfolded within the last day, and they're reacting to Coen's move on social media.

"Wish him nothing but misfortune with one of the league's worst franchises. Such a horrible look," said one Buccaneers fan.

"The NFL is the best reality TV in the world. Always something new," said NFL Draft writer Hunter Haas.

"what a gross way to do business on his part," said another fan.

"You don’t secretly go meet with the Jaguars unless you plan on signing with them," one fan said.

"This is the most psychotic way to become a head coach....I love it. Jaguars villain arc incoming," another fan noted.

"Ghosting in the NFL. Very unprofessional," one fan said.

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 05: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen calls the play along the sidelines during the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 05, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

If Coen takes the Jacksonville job, he'll have one of the more promising young quarterbacks in the league to work with in Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars are now two seasons removed from their most recent playoff appearance and will be picking near the top of the NFL Draft later this year.

The team may need more of a retool than a rebuild, but it's the job that Coen appears to be ready to take.

We'll see if he officially decides to become the next head coach in Jacksonville within the coming days, and we'll also find out how the Buccaneers respond after Coen's decision to turn down the new contract at offensive coordinator.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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