The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an offensive explosion in 2024.  From one of the worst rushing units in previous years to one of the most productive on the ground and in the air in 2024.

That’s been thanks to the innovative genius in charge of that side of the ball in Liam Coen.  The young coordinator was able to get the most out of the talent he was given, and his gameplans were creative and effective.

As such, it’s no surprise why he was a hot head coaching candidate this cycle, particularly with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who invited him in for a second interview this week.

However, per ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Coen has taken his name out of consideration for the job and is staying in Tampa Bay as their offensive coordinator on a new deal that makes him one of the highest paid in the league.

It goes without saying that his is a blockbuster of a move for the Buccaneers.  Losing their second offensive coordinator in as many seasons – Dave Canales went to Carolina last offseason – would have been a tough blow to absorb.  Particularly after the Bucs finished in the top five in the NFL in rushing yards, passing yards, and total yards in 2024.

Coen’s return should mean continued great things for Baker Mayfield in 2025 after a stellar follow last year to his 2023 Pro Bowl season.  The results spoke for themselves in 2024.  Mayfield set career highs in completion percentage (71.4%), passing yards (4500), touchdowns (41) and passer rating (106.8).  Clearly, the Bucs’ franchise quarterback and their offensive coordinator were on the same page, and the results spoke for themselves.  It’s also a rare and welcome bit of continuity for Mayfield with an offensive coordinator, as he’s had almost nothing but annual turnover at this position during his career.

One also has to wonder if Coen is looked at now as the heir apparent in the event Todd Bowles decides to retire, or if the team doesn’t take a step forward in the playoffs that they should in 2025.  After all, with the offense intact (with the exception of a Chris Godwin contract extension) and the draft and free agency coming up to address holes on defense, the Bucs are in a terrific position to do just that starting in September.

And they’ll have Coen back on the sideline helping one of the league’s best offenses try to do their part to make it happen.