How Liam Coen went from UMass record holder to Jaguars coach
Liam Coen’s path: From Chalkboard to Jaguars Head Coach
Updated June 3, 2025
Liam Coen’s journey to becoming the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach started early. Even as a toddler,his father,Tim Coen,a high school coach,noticed Liam’s keen interest in football. While Tim held meetings, Liam would draw precise wishbone formations on the chalkboard, showcasing a natural understanding of the game.
That early passion fueled Coen’s career. He excelled as a quarterback, earning Rhode Island’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003. At UMass amherst, he set records with 11,031 passing yards and 90 touchdowns. Now, at 39, coen brings 15 years of coaching experience to Jacksonville, including stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Coen has built a reputation as a shining offensive mind, influenced by the Sean McVay coaching tree.He aims to establish his own playbook and team culture with the Jaguars. “He was a leader and a smart quarterback,” tim Coen said. “He knew why we were running plays.”
Coen’s initial NFL exposure came during a visit with Mark Whipple, his former UMass coach, then with the Cleveland Browns. Whipple allowed Coen to observe meetings and offseason programs, which solidified Coen’s NFL aspirations.
“He was just a worker [and] wanted to learn about the NFL,” Whipple said. “I let him come into meetings… and it kind of catapulted him.” Whipple later hired Coen at UMass, impressed by his ability to teach offense and work with quarterbacks.
Whipple noted Coen’s honesty and balanced approach to run and pass plays. ”He’s honest, first of all,” Whipple said. “And then players can feel that good handle of balance in between the run and the pass, and he believes in both.”
Shane waldron, then with the Rams, recommended Coen to Sean McVay in 2018. McVay quickly recognized Coen’s talent. “Hey,man,you’re doing a great job,” Coen recalled McVay saying. “I appreciate you being here. I’m really happy you’re here.”
What’s next
As Liam Coen takes the helm in Jacksonville, the Jaguars aim to leverage his offensive expertise and leadership to build a successful team culture and improve their performance in the upcoming season.