There’s a brand new NFL rivalry brewing in the state of Florida, and new Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen is right in the middle of it.
Coen’s controversial decision to ghost the Buccaneers on an originally agreed upon contract extension, only to secretly jet to Jacksonville to become the 10th head coach in Jaguars history, isn’t exactly sitting well with the Bucs or their fans.
Coen was officially introduced as head coach of the Jaguars Monday, and during a brief Q&A session with reporters, one of the first questions asked was whether he regretted leaving his former team high and dry.
Here was Coen's response:
The opportunity to coach in Tampa was a phenomenal one to get my feet wet in the NFL as an offensive coordinator, and I thank them so much for that opportunity.
As you continue to do more research and gaining more information, it started to become more clear with every hour that this was an opportunity that you can’t pass on, for so many different reasons. And, ultimately, you do what’s best for you and your family.
I will always love and remember those guys. Love them to death … but we’re moving forward.
That’s probably not what Bucs fans were hoping for after their former OC reportedly ducked phone calls and text messages, and ultimately misled team brass on his whereabouts while already in Jacksonville meeting with owner Shad Khan on Thursday, Jan. 23. While not the greatest look, this is the NFL, and Coen was just looking to level up in his career. He doesn’t owe the Bucs or their fans an apology, and it’s not all that surprising that one didn’t come on Monday.
It could be a while until Bucs fans get the chance to vent their frustrations in person. Tampa Bay isn't projected to be on Jacksonville’s schedule until 2027, and that game will be played at EverBank Stadium.
As Coen said to the media, it’s time for everyone to move forward.
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