"Trent Baalke scaring away good talent": NFL fans react as Bucs coach Liam Coen rejects Jaguars HC offer
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen shocked the NFL world by withdrawing from the Jaguars head coaching search on Thursday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Coen will remain with the Bucs on a new contract.
The news blindsided Jacksonville fans. Just 24 hours earlier, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported the Buccaneers were "bracing for Coen to be offered" the position, with a "growing belief that it's Coen's job to lose."
Fans immediately connected Coen's withdrawal to Jacksonville's controversial GM.
"Trent Baalke literally scaring away good talent," one supporter posted
Another decoded the subtext; "Translation: 'I don't want to work with GM Trent Baalke."
"At what point do they fire Trent Baalke just to be able to hire ANYONE to be their head coach?" one user demanded.
Some reactions focused on breaking the news;
One fan added; "Wow this is a stunner. Wonder where the Jags go from here."
One fan posted "BREAKING NEWS."
Another supported Coen's choice; "Probably smart. Better job security in Tampa."
Coen's success in 2024 made him an attractive candidate for the Jaguars' vacancy. His Buccaneers offense ranked third in yards (399.5 per game) and fourth in scoring (29.5 points). Under his guidance, Baker Mayfield posted career-best numbers, with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Jacksonville targeted Liam Coen to revitalize quarterback Trevor Lawrence after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Lawrence played just 10 games, battling a shoulder injury and concussion in a season that prompted Doug Pederson's dismissal.
Jacksonville must now pivot to other candidates. Second interviews are scheduled with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh.
Jaguars legend defends Trent Baalke, who is being criticised, amid Liam Coen's situation
Pro Football Hall-of-Fame left tackle Tony Boselli attempted to shield Trent Baalke from criticism.
"I think it'd be irresponsible to jump to the conclusion that the reason Ben Johnson's not here is because of Trent Baalke," Boselli told Dan Hickens on 1010 XL.
Boselli's defense contradicts widespread reports about Baalke's reputation. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer revealed the GM feuded with the coaching staff last year. The Athletic's Dianna Rusinni reported another candidate, Ben Johnson, felt Jacksonville "didn't have the setup he wanted."
The Jaguars face mounting pressure after keeping Baalke while dismissing Pederson. With Liam Coen choosing Tampa Bay's stability and Johnson heading to Chicago, Jacksonville's coaching search continues under the shadow of their controversial GM.
The team's half-measure approach - firing the coach but retaining Baalke - has drawn criticism from fans and media alike. This might potentially limit their ability to attract top coaching talent for the 2025 season.