Jaguars Make a Move to Pursue Liam Coen
The Jacksonville Jaguars may not be done pursuing Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The team’s owner, Shad Khan, fired general manager Trent Baalke on Wednesday, just hours after Coen decided to back out of a scheduled interview with team executives.
While the Jaguars officially said the move was a mutual decision between Khan and Baalke to “respectfully separate,” a source familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that Baalke was actually fired.
The source, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that Khan grew frustrated when Coen, a 39-year-old offensive coordinator who had a strong initial interview with the Jaguars, backed out of the second meeting and instead signed a new contract with the Buccaneers.
The person also noted that since Baalke appeared to be the reason Coen and other potential candidates like former Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson turned down the Jacksonville job, Khan made the decision to part ways with Baalke. With Baalke no longer in the picture, it’s possible Coen may reconsider the job.
A Statement from Shad Khan
“Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we both arrived at the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interests to respectfully separate, effective immediately,” Khan said in a statement. “Trent leaves us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the past five seasons.”
Ethan Waugh, who worked under Baalke for 12 years in San Francisco, will serve as the interim general manager. Khan added that Waugh would continue the process of interviewing candidates for the head coaching position.
Coaching Search Continues
Jacksonville had narrowed its coaching search down to Coen, Las Vegas defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Graham and Saleh are scheduled to have in-person interviews on Thursday and Friday.
A total of 10 candidates, including Johnson and Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, initially interviewed for the position. However, both Johnson and Glenn took other coaching jobs — Johnson with the Chicago Bears and Glenn with the New York Jets — before meeting with the Jaguars.
Despite Khan’s earlier statement that the hiring of Baalke wouldn’t impact the coaching search, it’s now clear that Baalke’s role did have an effect on the process.
Baalke’s Record and the Fans’ Response
Baalke had a mixed reputation in the NFL. During his time in San Francisco and Jacksonville, he hired three coaches — Jim Tomsula, Chip Kelly, and Urban Meyer — who all lasted just one season. Baalke’s draft record was hit or miss. He picked quarterback Trevor Lawrence, right tackle Anton Harrison, and Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round.
But his choice of defensive end Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson and his selections of linebacker Devin Lloyd and other second-day picks were criticized.
His free-agent signings were similarly unimpressive. Last year, the Jaguars spent over $150 million on seven free agents, including receiver Gabe Davis, cornerback Ronald Darby, and defensive lineman Arik Armstead. None of them made a significant impact on the team.
Jaguars fans had long called for Baalke’s departure, even organizing a “Klown Out” protest during the 2021 season finale to express their dissatisfaction with Khan’s decision to keep Baalke as general manager.
Looking Forward for the Jaguars
With Baalke gone, the Jaguars may circle back to other candidates they previously considered, such as Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Philadelphia offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Due to NFL rules, the Jaguars can only interview these candidates next week since their teams are still in the playoffs.
Despite the changes, Jacksonville still has several positive factors going for it. They have a young, talented quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, a rising star in receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and a few strong defensive players like cornerback Tyson Campbell and pass rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. They also have a new practice facility and a $1.4 billion stadium renovation planned.
The Jaguars will have the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft and around $50 million in salary cap space. They play in the AFC South, one of the NFL’s weaker divisions, and they are located in Florida, a state with no income tax and plenty of sunshine. With a 3-10 record in one-score games, the Jaguars may be closer to turning things around than their record suggests.
