The Jacksonville Jaguars have begun reshaping their team under new leadership this offseason. Following two disappointing seasons with Trevor Lawrence as quarterback, the franchise replaced Doug Pederson with Liam Coen as head coach and hired James Gladstone as general manager. Baker Mayfield Liam Coen Jaguars headlines have erupted as Mayfield publicly criticized Coen’s coaching style ahead of the upcoming season.

Jaguars’ Leadership Changes and Ambitious Roster Moves

The Jaguars moved decisively to change their direction by bringing in Liam Coen, who previously served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, and James Gladstone to oversee team operations. They also executed a major trade to add highly-touted cornerback Travis Hunter, aiming to bolster their defense and overall competitiveness. Coen’s track record with Tampa Bay, where he helped produce one of the franchise’s strongest offenses, has built significant hope for Jacksonville’s future despite some doubts.

Liam Coen’s Career and Relationship with Baker Mayfield

Liam Coen, a former Alabama player, swiftly transitioned into coaching with a focus on offense. His experience includes a tenure under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams, where Baker Mayfield was a backup quarterback. Later, as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Coen reunited with Mayfield and helped him achieve career highs, including 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns during a season hampered by injuries to top receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Mayfield’s Criticism of Coen’s New Approach in Jacksonville

Despite their successful history, Mayfield has voiced reservations about Coen’s change in demeanor since joining the Jaguars. On the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Mayfield bluntly advised Coen:

Stop trying to be the cool guy. Just do your job. Be a head coach.

When co-guest Alex Caruso suggested this could be part of building a culture, Mayfield responded sharply,

I don’t know if they want that culture.

However, Mayfield tempered his critique by acknowledging Coen’s strengths as a coordinator and their ongoing communication:

He’s a great coordinator. So we’ll see how it goes. We talk all the time, and he’s a great coach, so we’ll see how it goes.

Expectations Grow for Jaguars’ New Leadership as Season Approaches

With the acquisition of the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the hopes pinned on Coen’s leadership, expectations in Jacksonville are rising sharply. While Coen has shown aptitude guiding offenses, his ability to succeed as a first-time head coach remains unproven. The upcoming season will test whether the Jaguars’ bold moves translate into sustained progress under the new coaching staff.