Jaguars’ Gamble: Is Liam Coen the Answer to Revive Trevor Lawrence and the Offense?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are betting big on Liam Coen to revitalize their offense and unlock the full potential of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. After a disappointing 4-13 season, marked by offensive struggles and injuries to their star quarterback, the Jaguars cleaned house, bringing in Coen as the new head coach. Can Coen, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, be the key to turning Lawrence into the franchise cornerstone Jacksonville envisioned when they drafted him first overall in 2021?
The Coen Effect: A History of Offensive Turnarounds
Liam Coen’s resume boasts a track record of offensive success. In his lone season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, Coen orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the team to become one of the league’s most potent offenses. The Buccaneers ranked third in the NFL in yards per game (399.6) and fourth in scoring (29.5 points per game). Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career year under Coen’s guidance, posting highs in completion percentage (71.4%), passing yards (4,500), and passing touchdowns (41).
Before his stint in Tampa Bay, Coen served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky, where he orchestrated two of the highest-scoring seasons in school history. His success in both the NFL and college ranks has earned him a reputation as an innovative and adaptable offensive mind.
Lawrence’s Lull: Identifying the Issues
Trevor Lawrence’s career in Jacksonville has been a rollercoaster. While flashes of brilliance have been evident, consistency and sustained success have eluded him. In 2024, Lawrence’s season was cut short due to injuries, limiting him to just 10 games. In those games, he threw for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, with a passer rating of 85.2.
Several factors have contributed to Lawrence’s struggles. Frequent changes in offensive schemes and coaching staff have hindered his development. According to The Draft Network, young quarterbacks being hindered by frequent changes at the offensive coordinator position can lead to significant setbacks. Each new coordinator brings a unique style and strategy, requiring quarterbacks to constantly adjust and relearn the nuances of the offense.
Injuries have also played a significant role in Lawrence’s inconsistent performance. In 2024, he battled an AC joint sprain and a concussion, limiting his time on the field. A Sports Illustrated article noted that Lawrence missed about half of the season with multiple injuries, and his performance in the games he did play was subpar.
Coen’s Plan: Building Around Lawrence’s Strengths
Liam Coen understands the importance of building an offense that caters to Lawrence’s strengths. He has stated that he will be the team’s offensive play-caller and will focus on making the offense as dynamic and explosive as possible.
“How do we make Trevor Lawrence and this offense as dynamic and explosive as we can be? We’ve got to build it around him as well,” Coen said in a CBS Sports interview.
Coen’s offensive philosophy emphasizes a balanced attack, with a strong running game complementing a passing game predicated on quick reads and accurate throws. According to Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, Coen’s offensive philosophy focuses on “the marriage between the run and the pass” and “the multiplicity of the run game.” This approach aims to create easier reads for Lawrence and maximize his ability to execute the offense.
The Supporting Cast: Weapons and Protection
To fully unlock Lawrence’s potential, the Jaguars must provide him with a strong supporting cast. The team has already taken steps to bolster the offense, drafting wide receiver Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter, a dynamic playmaker with elite ball skills, is expected to provide Lawrence with a reliable target and inject excitement into the passing game.
Brian Thomas Jr., is also expected to take a leap in his second year. According to Fantasy Life, Thomas is a rising second-year talent that profiles as a legit first-round fantasy pick.
The Jaguars’ offensive line must also improve to provide Lawrence with better protection. According to Sports Illustrated, the Jaguars are heading into the new season looking to get better on the offensive line to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The team has made several moves to address this need, including signing veteran offensive linemen Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey.
The Gamble: Will it Pay Off?
The Jaguars’ decision to hire Liam Coen represents a significant gamble. While Coen has a proven track record of offensive success, he is relatively young and lacks head coaching experience. However, his innovative offensive mind and ability to connect with quarterbacks make him an intriguing choice to lead the Jaguars.
The success of the Coen-Lawrence partnership will depend on several factors, including Coen’s ability to tailor the offense to Lawrence’s strengths, the improvement of the offensive line, and the development of the team’s young receivers. If these factors align, the Jaguars’ gamble on Liam Coen could pay off handsomely, transforming Trevor Lawrence into the elite quarterback the team has long envisioned.