The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a strategic move by appointing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach. This decision has generated excitement among fans, particularly for the potential development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the overall improvement of the team's offense. Coen’s expertise is expected to enhance not only the passing game but also the running game, where the Jaguars have struggled in recent years despite solid performances from running backs Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. The article delves into how Coen can elevate these players, especially in pass protection and receiving roles, areas that have become increasingly vital for modern NFL teams.

Coen's Vision for a Multi-Faceted Running Game

In the heart of autumn, when the leaves turned shades of amber and gold, the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their new leader, Liam Coen. As the former offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Coen brings with him a wealth of experience and innovative strategies. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the team, particularly for the running backs who have faced challenges in recent seasons.

Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby have shown promise on the field, yet they have encountered difficulties in key aspects of the game. Specifically, their performance in pass protection and as receivers out of the backfield has been less than stellar. In 2024, the Jaguars’ running backs were targeted infrequently, accounting for just 15% of the team’s targets, ranking them 24th in the NFL. When targeted, the outcomes were far from ideal, with Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones posting a combined NFL Rating of 67.9, placing the team 31st in the league.

Coen’s track record with the Buccaneers offers hope. Under his guidance, Tampa Bay’s running backs thrived, finishing fourth in the NFL with 21% of team targets. Players like Rachaad White and Bucky Irving emerged as top performers, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Coen’s ability to transform running backs into versatile playmakers could be the catalyst the Jaguars need to elevate their offense.

Pass protection has also been a concern for Jacksonville. The running backs allowed 19 pressures, the highest in the league, with Etienne alone responsible for 13. Coen’s proven methods in improving this area could provide much-needed relief for the offensive line and quarterbacks alike. With Coen at the helm, the Jaguars are poised to unlock the full potential of Etienne and Bigsby, making them more effective in all facets of the game.

From a journalist's perspective, the hiring of Liam Coen represents a bold and promising step for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His focus on developing multi-faceted running backs addresses a critical weakness in the team’s offense. By enhancing the skills of Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby in pass protection and receiving, Coen can create a more balanced and formidable attack. This strategic move not only bolsters the Jaguars’ chances for success but also sets a new standard for what is expected from running backs in today’s NFL. The future looks bright for Jacksonville as they embark on this transformative journey under Coen’s leadership.