Guest of the League
Why Noy
FFL: Offseason | NFL: Championship

Florida man: Liam Coen turns down Jaguars, gets big bucks from Bucs

Wed Jan 22 11:23am ET
Field Level Media

Liam Coen stepped out of consideration as a candidate to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars to remain offensive coordinator with Tampa Bay, according to multiple reports.

Coen, 39, was scheduled for a second interview with the Jaguars on Wednesday. But instead of the in-person huddle with Jacksonville's leadership, he signed a new contract with the Buccaneers that will make him one of the highest-paid assistants in the NFL, per reports.

The value of the contract was not immediately known, but multiple offensive coordinators were in the $3 million range last season.

One day after the top offensive coordinator candidate -- Lions play-caller Ben Johnson -- was named head coach of the Chicago Bears, Coen was considered a top candidate to replace Doug Pederson in Jacksonville as the 2025 coaching carousel continues.

Coen teased the potential for his return after the Buccaneers' season-ending loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC wild-card round of the playoffs.

"I do believe I'm ready," Coen said of whether it was time to become a head coach in the NFL. "I don't think you're ever truly fully ready. But yeah, that is a dream. Does that need to happen when I'm 39 years old and having probably the most fun of my life coaching, working and being here? No, that doesn't mean that needs to occur right now. But yeah, that is the goal. That is absolutely the goal. But like I said before, that goal can hold off for a while here and continue to do what we're doing. That would be pretty special."

Johnson made a similar decision a year ago with the Lions competing for the NFC Championship. He opted to withdraw from consideration to become coach in Washington, where he was viewed as a prevailing favorite to be hired by the Commanders. The job went instead to Dan Quinn, who had declined multiple interviews in previous coaching cycles to remain a high-paid coordinator with the Cowboys.

Johnson, 38, was to be introduced formally at a press conference by the Bears on Wednesday morning.

Coen just completed his first season with the Buccaneers, who won the NFC South title at 10-7.

Jacksonville has other options and completed interviews with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The Jaguars announced Monday they would host Coen, Saleh and Graham in Jacksonville this week to meet face-to-face with owner Shad Khan and general manager Trent Baalke.

Tampa Bay averaged 29.5 points per game, fourth in the league in 2024. The Buccaneers ranked third in averaging 399.5 yards per game, third at 250.4 passing yards and fourth at 149.2 rushing yards. They led the league by making 50.9 percent of their third-down attempts (110 of 216). Their total of 395 first downs was second in the league.

Coen in recent years has bounced between the NFL and the University of Kentucky, where he was offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2021. He was the Los Angeles Rams' OC in 2022, and he worked under head coach Sean McVay as the Rams' assistant wide receivers coach (2018-19) and assistant quarterbacks coach (2020).

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

TFC Champion is Crowned

Player Notes
Jalen Hurts Jan 22 1:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) will take part in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, as will rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder). Hurts injured his left knee in the second half of the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and was examined in the medical tent before eventually returning to the field. Although Hurts finished out the game under center, his mobility was compromised and he appeared to be walking with a significant limp after the contest. The Eagles were non-committal on Hurts' status for the NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders earlier this week, but he did say he fully expects to be out there this Sunday. The 26-year-old had 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Rams, but fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Hurts' rushing contributions this weekend if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Matt Milano Jan 22 12:50pm ET
Matt Milano

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that safety Taylor Rapp (hip) will not practice on Wednesday and listed him as day-to-day with a hip injury. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Benford (concussion) will be limited as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol, and linebacker Matt Milano (hamstring) will also be limited. Rapp was limited to 33 percent of the team's defensive snaps last Sunday in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens and is now in danger of missing the AFC Championship this Sunday in Kansas City against the Chiefs. However, the 27-year-old could have a chance at suiting up if he's able to return to practice on Thursday or Friday. Not having Rapp in the secondary would be a notable downgrade for Buffalo's secondary. Cole Bishop would be the likely replacement if Rapp is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 22 12:40pm ET
Robert Saleh

With Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now out of the running, many around the NFL view former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as the potential favorite to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Saleh is scheduled to fly to Jacksonville on Thursday for a Friday meeting with Jaguars owner Shad Khan, general manager Trent Baalke and others. While Saleh could have the leg up for the job, Jacksonville could also expand their head-coaching search. The other name that could still be in the running for the head-coach job is Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, but the Jaguars can't interview him again until the Bills season is over. Jacksonville will interview Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for a second time on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Christian Gonzalez Jan 22 12:30pm ET
Christian Gonzalez

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports on Wednesday that Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams will become the New England Patriots' new defensive coordinator, according to sources. Williams worked with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23, and Vrabel thought so highly of Williams that he had him serve as the Titans' head coach during the 2023 preseason opener. The move to hire Williams comes a day after Josh McDaniels was hired to return to New England to run the team's offense under Vrabel. Williams will have plenty of work to do in his new location in Boston after the Patriots' entire defense struggled in 2024. His biggest building block on that side of the ball is cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Look for the Patriots to try and add talent to the defensive side of the ball this offseason through the draft and free agency.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Jan 22 12:30pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that the team will be looking at a possible contract extension for running back Derrick Henry this offseason. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 (31), King Henry proved that he still has plenty left in the tank, rushing for 1,921 yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts in his first year in Baltimore. He also added 19 receptions for 193 yards and two more TDs while averaging a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Henry finished the regular season as the RB3 in half-PPR scoring. He'll be heading into the last year of the two-year, $16 million deal he signed last offseason, but the Ravens want him around longer. Showing no signs of slowing down and being in one of the best offenses in football, Henry should be a high-end RB1 again this fall.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Jan 22 12:20pm ET
Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a contract extension with offensive coordinator Liam Coen on Wednesday that will put him amongst the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes after it was reported on Tuesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coaching job was essentially Coen's to lose. It's a huge win for Tampa's offense in 2025 and beyond, especially for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had been making a huge push for the team to retain Coen after he had a career year in 2024. Mayfield had career-highs in passing yards (4,500), touchdown passes (41) and completion percentage (71.4%) in his first year working with the 39-year-old Coen. If Coen had departed for Jacksonville, the Bucs would have been searching for a new offensive coordinator for the second straight offseason after Dave Canales became the Panthers head coach last offseason.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Jan 22 12:10pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that he expects Justin Tucker to be a great kicker for the team moving forward into the 2025 season. Tucker had the worst season of his career in 2024, but DeCosta mentioned that he finished the year strong. The 35-year-old finished the year going 22-for-30 on his field-goal attempts and 60-for-62 on his extra points in 17 regular-season games. He made just 73.3% of his field goals, with his previous low in conversion rate coming in at 82%. The seven-time Pro Bowler particularly struggled from deep, where he had been so money before, making just six of his 11 tries from 50-plus yards. While Tucker's leg might not be as strong as it was earlier in his elite career, he can still be a fantasy asset in 2025 in a strong Baltimore offense -- he just shouldn't be the first kicker off the board anymore.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Mack Jan 22 12:10pm ET
Khalil Mack

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Chargers nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack will return to play in 2025, according to a source. Mack said after the wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans that he needed time to decide on his future, but he has chosen to come back for at least one more season. However, the 33-year-old's contract with the Chargers is up and he will be an unrestricted free agent this March. Now that we know Mack wants to keep playing, the Bolts will probably do everything in their power to re-sign Mack, who had a down year in 2024 after posting a career-high 17 sacks in his second year in L.A. in 2023. The three-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year finished his third year with the Chargers with only six sacks in 16 regular-season starts. Wherever Mack lands in free agency, he could be more of a situational pass-rusher in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Latu Jan 21 10:20pm ET
Cameron Latu

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent tight end Cameron Latu to a Reserve/Futures deal on Tuesday and released wide receiver Elijah Cooks from their practice squad in a corresponding move. Latu was with the San Francisco 49ers during training camp but was cut before the start of the regular season. The 24-year-old then latched on with the Cleveland Browns and spent time on their practice squad in 2024, although he did not play in any games. He has never appeared in an NFL game and will merely be looking to stick around on Philly's active 53-man roster after training camp this summer. Latu was originally taken by the 49ers in the third round (101st overall) of the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama.

From RotoBaller

James Mitchell Jan 21 10:20pm ET
James Mitchell

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end James Mitchell and outside linebacker Boogie Basham to Reserve/Futures deals. Mitchell was a former fifth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. He was with the Lions on their practice squad in 2024 and will now try to make Carolina's active 53-man roster for the 2025 season. In 30 games over three seasons in the NFL, he has only recorded 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown in Detroit. Basham, meanwhile, was a second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 out of Wake Forest. He'll reunite with general manager Dan Morgan, who was in Buffalo's front office when he was drafted. In 40 games over his four years in the NFL, Basham has 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023.

From RotoBaller

David Sills Jan 21 10:10pm ET
David Sills

The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that they signed wide receivers David Sills, Phillip Dorsett II, Dylan Drummond, Jesse Matthews and Makai Polk, defensive tackles Junior Aho and LaCale London, offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, running back Elijah Dotson, offensive guards Joey Fisher and Jovaughn Gwyn, defensive backs Lamar Jackson and Benny Sapp III, quarterback Emory Jones, defensive end Khalid Kareem and offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to Reserve/Futures deals. Thirteen of the 16 players were on the Falcons' practice squad at some point in 2024, with Gwyn, Jackson and Kareem seeing time on the active roster. Sills was with the Denver Broncos this year and was elevated to the active roster in Week 17, although he didn't see any action. He has 13 career catches for 123 yards in 16 games (seven starts) since debuting in 2021.

From RotoBaller

Malik Cunningham Jan 21 10:00pm ET
Malik Cunningham

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham has signed a reserve/future deal to stay with the organization in 2025. Cunningham spent the entire 2024 campaign on the practice squad, but he'll get a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp. The Louisville product started his pro career as a quarterback, but has transitioned to a wideout with the Ravens. He played briefly with the New England Patriots before joining the Ravens roster. There is plenty of untapped potential here due to Cunningham's speed and the fact he played quarterback in college. Hopefully, the Ravens find a way to get him involved in their 2025 gameplan. In addition to Cunningham, the Ravens signed quarterback Devin Leary, receiver Dayton Wade, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, offensive linemen Corey Bullock and Darrian Dalcourt, defensive linemen Adedayo Odeleye, Basil Okoye and C.J. Ravenell and linebacker William Kwenkeu.

From RotoBaller

Ronnie Bell Jan 21 9:20pm ET
Ronnie Bell

The Detroit Lions have signed wide receiver Ronnie Bell to a reserve/future deal on Tuesday. Bell was waived by the San Francisco 49ers in late November, but he was quickly signed back to the practice squad. The 24-year-old finished the season with two reception for 22 yards in nine games with the 49ers. The former seventh-round pick failed to do much in his two seasons in San Francisco. He'll look to catch on as a depth option with the Lions next season.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jan 21 6:50pm ET
Daniel Jones

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Daniel Jones could return to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2025 season. While Lewis noted that Jones is expected to test free agency, he could be a part of Minnesota's plans if Sam Darnold were to depart. This would present an opportunity for Jones to operate as the No.2 option behind J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season after he tore his meniscus during the preseason. Jones opened the 2024 campaign with the New York Giants but was released after Week 10. During this ten-game stint, Jones scored ten touchdowns, threw seven interceptions, and averaged a mere 207.5 passing yards per game. The 27-year-old operated as the No.3 QB while with the Minnesota Vikings. Given his struggles this season, Jones will likely operate as a backup throughout most of the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Kindle Vildor Jan 21 6:40pm ET
Kindle Vildor

According to Colton Pouncy and Amos Morale III of The Athletic, Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis could depart in free agency. Pouncy and Morale also mentioned offensive guard Kevin Zeitler as another name who could depart in free agency. With the Lions already losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and also potentially defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the team could look quite different heading into the 2025 campaign. Davis sustained a fractured jaw during Week 15 and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. During the first 13 games of the campaign, the 28-year-old defensive back tallied 56 tackles (42 solos), 11 deflections, and two sacks while operating as a starter in the secondary. If he were to depart, Kindle Vildor would likely have an increased role next season.

From RotoBaller

Lavonte David Jan 21 6:20pm ET
Lavonte David

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, linebacker Lavonte David is considering retirement. Stroud reported that the 34-year-old linebacker will take some time to discuss his future with his family before making a decision. However, given that David played on a one-year deal during the 2024 season, retirement seems likely. During his career, David has been named to three All-Pro teams and one Pro Bowl team. He also won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay during the 2020 NFL Season. The former second-round selection out of Nebraska has tallied 1,601 tackles, 39 sacks, 71 deflections, 13 interceptions, and 31 forced fumbles throughout his 13-year career. This past season, David tallied 130 tackles across 18 contests.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Jan 21 6:00pm ET
Drake Maye

According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the New England Patriots are hiring Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniels has had two prior tenures with the New England Patriots and will now be tasked to be a critical part of developing their new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. McDaniels joined the Patriots for the first time in 2001 and eventually parted after the 2008 season to work for the Denver Broncos. He would then have a brief stint with the St. Louis Rams before returning to New England. He operated as the Offensive Coordinator for another ten seasons before becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for two seasons. During that short tenure, he held a disappointing 9-16 record. Now, he will return to where he spent 18 seasons, hoping to kickstart another dynasty with newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel. During his 18-year period with the Patriots, McDaniels won six Super Bowls. He was the offensive mind behind the record-breaking 2007 New England Patriots that went undefeated during the regular season. This is a positive sign for Drake Maye as he will have an experienced offensive coordinator with him who has had decades of professional winning experience.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Jan 21 4:40pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

According to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is considered a favorite for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coach opening, and he could possibly be offered the job as early as Wednesday when he has a second interview with the team. The Jags are looking for a new coach after firing Doug Pederson following a 4-13 record in 2024 in his second year with the team. In addition to Coen, Jacksonville has second interviews planned with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham on Thursday and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Friday. Stroud writes there's a growing belief it's Coen's job to lose. The 39-year-old impressed the Jaguars in his virtual interview a week ago and is the most equipped to resurrect the career of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Under Coen, Baker Mayfield had a career year with the Bucs in 2024.

From RotoBaller