Lawrence’s Last Chance? Liam Coen’s Plan to Revitalize the Jaguars’ Offense

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 season was nothing short of a disappointment. After an 8-3 start in 2023, the team collapsed, losing five of their last six games. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, once hailed as a generational talent, struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. The offense, which showed promise in spurts, ultimately sputtered, leaving fans and analysts wondering if Lawrence could live up to the hype. With the hiring of Liam Coen as head coach in January 2025, the Jaguars are hoping to reignite their offense and unlock Lawrence’s full potential. Can Coen turn things around and give Lawrence the fresh start he desperately needs?

The Disappointing 2024 Season

The Jaguars’ offensive woes in 2024 were multifaceted. Lawrence missed seven games due to injury, managing just 11 touchdowns in his 10 starts. His completion percentage dipped to 60.6%, and his overall performance lacked the spark that had defined his earlier years. The receiving corps, featuring Parker Washington, Christian Kirk, and Gabe Davis, failed to provide consistent support, combining for just 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. The offensive line struggled to protect Lawrence and create running lanes, further hindering the team’s offensive output. According to reports, Lawrence himself expressed his frustration, bluntly stating that the offense “sucked right now.”

Enter Liam Coen: The Offensive Architect

Liam Coen’s arrival in Jacksonville brings a wave of optimism. Coen, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is known for his innovative schemes and ability to maximize quarterback performance. In his lone season with the Buccaneers in 2024, Coen orchestrated an offense that ranked among the league’s best, finishing in the top five in yards per game (399.6), scoring (29.5), passing yards per game (250.4), and rushing yards per game (149.2). His success with Baker Mayfield, who had a career year under Coen’s guidance, has Jaguars fans hopeful that he can do the same for Lawrence.

Coen’s Plan: Footwork, Scheme, and a Strong Run Game

Coen’s plan to revitalize the Jaguars’ offense revolves around three key elements: improving Lawrence’s footwork, implementing a quarterback-friendly scheme, and establishing a strong running game.

Footwork Fundamentals: Coen has emphasized the importance of Lawrence’s lower-body mechanics, stating, “Everything with the quarterback position, so much is built on the lower half and the mind.” By refining Lawrence’s footwork, Coen aims to improve his accuracy, decision-making, and overall efficiency.
Schematic Advantage: Coen intends to implement a scheme that provides Lawrence with clear reads and answers. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence said that Coen’s offense “has a lot of answers; you have to know your stuff, but it gives you all the answers.”
Establishing the Run: Coen recognizes the importance of a strong running game to take pressure off Lawrence and create more favorable passing situations. The Jaguars have a solid tandem in Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, and Coen aims to maximize their potential by improving the offensive line and implementing effective run schemes.

Addressing the Offensive Line

One of Coen’s top priorities is to improve the Jaguars’ offensive line, which struggled in 2024. The team has already taken steps to address this issue, signing center Robert Hainsey from Tampa Bay and Patrick Mekari from Baltimore. These additions are expected to bolster the interior of the line and provide better protection for Lawrence.

The Importance of a Strong Defense

While Coen’s focus is on the offense, he also understands the importance of a strong defense. He has emphasized the need for the Jaguars to play “good, sound, fundamental hard defense” to complement the offense. A reliable defense would take pressure off Lawrence and the offense, allowing them to play with more confidence and aggression.

Lawrence’s Perspective

Trevor Lawrence has embraced the arrival of Liam Coen and is eager to learn his system. He acknowledged the need for improvement across the board, stating, “Everybody has to take accountability, look in the mirror and fix it. I’ve got to play better. I’m the leader of this offense. It’s on me. The wideouts have to play better, the line has to play better, running backs have to play better, we have to coach better. It’s everybody, honestly.”

Can Coen Turn Lawrence Around?

The question remains: can Liam Coen revitalize Trevor Lawrence’s career and turn the Jaguars into a legitimate contender? While there are no guarantees in the NFL, Coen’s track record and his clear plan for the offense provide reason for optimism. By focusing on fundamentals, implementing a quarterback-friendly scheme, and establishing a strong running game, Coen aims to unlock Lawrence’s full potential and lead the Jaguars to success. The 2025 season will be a crucial test for both Lawrence and Coen, as they look to prove that Lawrence’s Last Chance is indeed a chance worth taking.