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.