The Jacksonville Jaguars had no shortage of intriguing options to fill their head coach vacancy but ultimately went with Liam Coen. While his lack of experience at the helm is a potential reason for concern, his work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gives the Jags a reason for optimism.
On top of that Coen has put together an intriguing staff formed with several ascending coaches. Granted, the Jags will undergo an adjustment period and the ups and downs that come with having a rookie head coach at the helm.
On the other hand, several players will benefit from Coen's additions to his coaching staff. These five come to mind.
Trevor Lawrence, quarterback
There's no doubt that Trevor Lawrence is the biggest beneficiary of Liam Coen's arrival. Heck, owner Shad Khan acknowledged after making him the head coach that one of the biggest points of emphasis during the search was finding someone who could get the best out of No. 16.
Coen helped quarterback Baker Mayfield post career numbers last year and has brought in coaches who should help Lawrence play like a top-10 quarterback again. Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski mentored rookie J.J. McCarthy during his stint with the Minnesota Vikings, he'll provide similar guidance to the former Clemson Tiger in Jacksonville.
On the other hand, quarterbacks coach Spencer Whipple will help Steezy Trev polish his fundamentals, which weren't great last year and played a role in his regression.
The bottom line is that we could witness the best version of Lawrence with Coen paving the way.
Ventrell Miller, linebacker
Buried in a disappointing season was the performance of linebacker Ventrell Miller. Although the defense was one of the worst in the league, the former Florida Gator stood out because he gave full effort in every single play until the whistle blew and made the most of his playing time. Heck, he outplayed 2022 first-round pick Devin Lloyd.
To replace Ryan Nielsen, the Jaguars hired Anthony Campanile as their defensive coordinator. During his stint with the Green Bay Packers, he turned their run defense into one of the best in the NFL. Moreover, rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper had a Pro Bowl-caliber season.
Campanile can do the same for Miller in Jacksonville.
Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
The Jaguars raised eyebrows when they decided to add failed Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to their staff, and understandably so. After a couple of successful stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, he flamed out in his lone season in the Windy City. In fact, he was given the boot nine games into the 2024 campaign. That's how bad things were.
Fortunately for the Jaguars, Waldron won't be overseeing the offense, and will instead be their pass game coordinator. If there's one thing that the former Bears offensive coordinator has liked throughout his career is throwing the football. This will benefit sophomore Brian Thomas Jr., who had a banner rookie season despite the fact that the previous coaching staff didn't really know how to use him early on.
The Jaguars ultimately figured out what to do with Thomas and he went on to post 82 receptions for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. Those numbers should be even better with Waldron in the fold.
Brenton Strange, tight end
It's uncertain if Evan Engram will return in 2025. Whether he does, fellow tight end Brenton Strange did enough last year to earn more playing time next season.
In relief of Engram, Strange caught 40 receptions for 420 yards with two touchdowns. He'll enjoy continuity as tight ends coach Richard Angulo was retained. On top of that, the Jags hired former Buccaneers tight end coach John Van Dam as a pass game assistant.
While Van Dam will no longer work with the tight ends directly, he'll surely help Angulo and give Strange points. Under his tutelage, 2022 fourth-round pick Cade Otton got better each year. Expect something similar to happen with the Jaguars.