As underwhelming as the Jacksonville Jaguars were in other areas, they had one of the best special teams in the NFL last year. Not surprisingly, new head coach Liam Coen made an effort to retain the man responsible: Heath Farwell. He pulled it off, so the Jags will enjoy continuity in that phase of the game in 2025. And when they introduced their new coordinators, Farwell discussed why he chose to stay.
Farwell had his first exchange with the local media since signing a one-year deal to return as the special teams coach. He said he had other options lined up, but Jacksonville was where he ultimately wanted to be.
"We were right in that in that area," Farwell responded when he was asked how long he stayed in the limbo after Doug Pederson was ousted. "And the best part about it from Day 1, the Khans, the organization, made it very clear they wanted me here, and that was a big part of where we were going forward. And so I had that going. I did get some interest, but ultimately we wanted to be here. The organization wanted us here, and so it was. It was a clear-cut deal for my family and I."
Farwell continued, "This was the best situation to blend in with this new crowd of staff and make the best of it here. And let's do this. Let's figure out a way to win. Obviously, Boselli will be a huge part of that. Tony's a good friend of mine. I think those are what's going to take to offer us to win. So those are all big factors and why we wanted to be here. But the but it started with the Khans. I think that's the biggest thing. Mr. Khan, Tony, they wanted us here. I don't know if there's a better person that you'd want to, want to have you in your corner."
Farwell then spoke at length about his relationship with Jaguars president of football operations Tony Boselli, pointing out that
"He's been around it forever, obviously a Hall of Famer. What he's done for this for this team, and then, of course, the city, it means so much to him. When you talk to him, I've never seen him so excited about something, about this project, the challenge of getting us to be a winner. And every time I talk to him, he says, 'We're going to get this thing rolling.' You can just feel his excitement. And that's what we need," Farwell said.
"We need that good juice, that good energy of where this is going, where this is headed. We got the right guys in place. Let's get it rolling. And I think that's a great message. Of like, this is where it starts, right here, and let's get it to let's get it to a winner. But nobody's more passionate about this organization than Tony Boselli."
Not long after Jacksonville re-signed Farwell, Boselli was appointed as EVP. Based on the comments, their rapport helped the Jags keep their special teams coach for at least one more season. Below is the full exchange with the press corps.
Heath Farwell will help the Jaguars and Liam Coen enjoy continuity from last year
Keeping Heath Farwell around will be huge for Liam Coen. After all, he'll experience the ups and downs that come with being a first-time head coach and will need all the help he can get.
With Farwell leading the special teams, Coen will be able to turn his attention to other areas of the game. Moreover, he'll have a veteran voice that can provide guidance.
The only downside of retaining Farwell is that he could leave if he once again has success. He doesn't generate nearly as much buzz, but he's seen as a potential candidate for head coaching openings. It's not often that special teams coaches get considered for that kind of job. But if someone can pull it off, it's him.
The bottom line is that keeping Heath Farwell around was a great move by the Jaguars and Liam Coen. Listening to him talk about it, it's clear he's also thrilled to be back in Duval.