Shad Khan explains what makes HC Liam Coen the right man for the Jaguars job

The Jacksonville Jaguars concluded their search for a new head coach when they hired Liam Coem. Just recently, Hall-of-Fame left tackle Tony Boselli talked about the things that sold him on one of the hottest candidates in this hiring cycle. And during his introduction, owner Shad Khan outlined the reasons he was the right man for the job.

Days after making him the next Jaguars head coach, Khan organized a media availability session to introduce Coen and talk about why he got the job.

"We're here today because we're coming off a very disappointing season. Our fans, our partners, deserve better, much better, and that's why three weeks ago, I announced that we would search for a new head coach," Khan told the local media. "When we interviewed 10 remarkable candidates for the positions, two things became clear to me. No. 1, that this wasn't a moment of regret for the Jacksonville Jaguars."

Coen continued, "This was a moment of progress, optimism, and confidence that we will achieve the ultimate goal, as long as we have the right man. And No. 2, that man was Liam Cohen. Why Liam's outstanding body of work speaks for itself. Quarterback development is the bedrock of the modern NFL, and Liam has delivered that wherever he's coached. His outstanding reputation preceded our first interview on video, and everything we heard about him from top people throughout football — solicited and otherwise — was confirmed."

"When we met, Liam here last week. Liam was bright, prepared, ambitious, and he inspired us. I knew then that Liam was our man, and we got our man. So with that, it's my privilege to introduce to you the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Liam Cohen."

Later in the exchange, Khan said that getting the most out of Trevor Lawrence was a priority during the coaching search.

"I think we interviewed 10 potential candidates, and with the lack of success we've had here, certainly over the last year and a half, it's a chance for reflection from me. I think what was the fundamental thing that we need to address? And the No. 1 thing, obviously, is the quarterback position and our commitment to Trevor. I think it's well known, we believe in him. So it started with that. And that was the fundamental question, really, to all the candidates, how would they do it?"

"And after we got done with that, it was very evident to me that Liam was the guy. And I never met Liam till the process started, but I'd heard about him quite a bit over the last year, from really, as I said, solicited and unsolicited. NFL has several events, and, I've been to him, the topic comes up, and his name was prominently mentioned, so I really wanted to make sure that he was part of the 10. And as we went through the process, it was absolutely compelling. He's the right guy for us," Khan said.

In their first interview with Coen, the Jaguars came impressed with his knowledge of football and leadership skills. They scheduled another meeting with him but balked at them when the Buccaneers offered him a new deal that would make him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL.

However, Coen eventually resumed talks with Jacksonville when general manager Trent Baalke got the boot. Negotiations heated up and they struck a deal to make him their next head coach. Below is the full introductory press conference.

The Jaguars hired Liam Coen for his success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Liam Coen joined the Buccaneers in 2024 and immediately turned the offense into a juggernaut, taking their running game from 32nd in 2023 to fourth in rushing yards and ranking fourth in points scored last season. Similarly, quarterback Baker Mayfield set career bests for passing yards, completion rate percentage, total touchdowns, and touchdown percentage rate.

In Jacksonville, Coen is expected to have a similar impact on Trevor Lawrence, who's coming off a couple of disappointing seasons. Given his past success, there's a reason to believe he'll pull it off. That said, No. 16 won't be the only one who will benefit from playing under Coen.

The running game should also get a boost, and the defense will also benefit from a fresh start.

It's hard to tell if Coen will have success as a head coach, but it's clear he has a vision. Moreover, it's obvious why the Jacksonville Jaguars chose him based on everything that was discussed in his introductory press conference.

Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like: