JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Mike from Daytona Beach, FL

By all accounts, Liam Coen lives and breathes football. Yet for reasons unknown to us outsiders, he was willing to walk away from his dream job of NFL head coach. I prefer to assume that his actions were guided by his belief that the status-quo environment did not provide the necessary conditions to fully support the Jags becoming a championship-level franchise. Now that Jaguars Owner Shad Khan is in the process of making significant changes, shouldn't all Jags fans be all in?

The Jaguars on Friday announced the hiring of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as head coach. This indeed came after he reportedly removed himself from consideration early in the week, and after he reportedly agreed to a contract extension to remain the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator. It also came after former General Manager Trent Baalke and the Jaguars parted ways Wednesday. These events seem to have caused some Buccaneers observers – and perhaps the Buccaneers – to be angry with Coen. It also appears to have caused some Jaguars observers to have a level of distrust in Coen. It seems from this view that perspective is needed here. Coen as of early in the week was set to interview with the Jaguars and returned to the Buccaneers for about two days before finally leaving for the Jaguars. It stretches reason to think these few days set the Buccaneers back significantly in their preparation for the 2025 season. It's also fair to remember that this was a matter of Coen making a dramatic career step forward from coordinator to head coach, doing so during amid what by any measure were unusual circumstances. I doubt many people criticizing Coen would have walked away from such a situation once the circumstances became favorable. This was a bold move on the Jaguars' part. The organization is moving in the right direction. Do all fans see it yet? Apparently not. That's fair. Is skepticism fair? Sure. It hasn't always moved in that direction in the past. It's a new time. That will be more apparent as we move forward.

Stephen from Jacksonville

Just a quick question. Any insight or guesses on potential GM candidates?

Detroit Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew, current Jaguars assistant general manager Ethan Waugh and Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham have been mentioned as possibilities.

Johnny from Howey in the Hills

Dr. O: Congrats to Coen and the Jaguars' faithful. I think we have a good one. While there are the naysayers as always, Coen is walking into an awesome opportunity that has tremendous facilities (the new Miller Electric Training Center), a multimillion-dollar stadium project and a very young roster that has only six players (active, practice squad and reserve) that are 30 years or older. Very solid set of rookies and young (two-to-five years) veterans that have yet to peak and an owner that really wants to win. Not sure on the GM drama, but who cares right now. The deed is done and let's look to the future. I really believe it's bright with the right hand at the wheel. Go Jags...

One fer the right hand.

Michael from Mean Streets of Arlington

I haven't seen the picture of Coen signing a contract yet. It leaves a sinking feeling in my gut.

I'm not sure I recall seeing a picture many – if any – pictures of an NFL head coach or assistant signing a contract. That's sort of a "player" thing. Don't worry about any sinking feelings. It's done.

Ken from Middleburg, FL

Please provide your thoughts on how you think Head Coach Liam Coen will address the offensive line and defensive line and add more physicality to the team.

I expect being more physical and being strong and tougher – mentally and physically – will be a franchise priority moving forward. I expect Coen will discuss this in his introductory press conference Monday. I then expect he will work with the Jaguars' next general manager and other key decision-makers to make this happen.

Steve from Jax Beach

Our new coach may be great or he may be a bust. No one truly knows that. How is it then that makes you feel like this is a better position than the franchise has been in for a while. Why are they better on 1/25 than 1/22? What do you see that factually gives you confidence to make that statement?

I absolutely agree that we don't know how good or bad Coen may be as a head coach. There are a lot of factors involved in him being a good head coach or not that he – or any head coach – can't control. I see the organization moving boldly and quickly in a positive direction and moving toward doing more things right more often. Stay tuned.

Andrew from Mattoon, IL

I had tingling BEFORE the hire. Perhaps I should consult a physician.

Perhaps.

Mark from Jacksonville

John, your statement that "It means that as next season continues and as we move forward, I think fans will like what they see from the Jaguars. A lot" is bold. Good for you, man. However, I happen to think that this team is extremely talent deficient on the interior offensive line, the interior defensive line and secondary. You say, "It's always coaching in the NFL," yet now seem to think we're headed for success because they replaced the head coach (with one that happens to have no track record, good or bad). That's not contradictory or anything. I happen to believe football is more about Jimmies and Joes than Xs and Os. Until this team addresses their talent issues, I don't think fans will feel like you're predicting us to. I like reading the O-zone and appreciate the steak, but come on man.

I didn't write and/or say that to say that the Jaguars are going to win their 2024 regular-season opener. I didn't write and/or say that to mean that the Jaguars are going to have a stellar record next season. I don't know how many games the Jaguars will win next season. I wrote and said that to say that I believe fans watching the Jaguars will like the direction they take moving forward. A lot. I like steak, too. Not as much as some people I know. But I like it.

Adrian from Manchester, UK

Is it okay for the players to show no integrity and agree contract terms but not sign in the 2025 season?

Ink dries when it dries. Coen had an opportunity to be an NFL head coach in a situation in which he believed he could succeed. Those opportunities don't happen every day.

Kei from Kitakyushu, Japan

This is very much a longer-term question, but here goes: the age cohort of people old enough to have little to no recollection of a world without the Jacksonville Jaguars is just old enough now to buy their own season tickets, become parents and possibly pass their fandoms down to their own kids. Given the perpetually rancid on-field product and the seemingly permanent off-field dysfunction that has come to define this franchise... is there any fear or concern that a huge void could develop where the next generation of Jacksonville Jaguars fans should be?

I can't call it "fear." It's obviously a concern. There will be Jaguars fans no matter how the team fares. This is a passionate, loyal fan base. But do you miss out on potential fans – and potential passion – if you lose consistently? But of course.

Brian from ROUND ROCK, TX

Have you noticed that the Jaguars "observers" always have the same bad opinion?

No.

Jeff from St Augustine, FL

Who are likely coordinator candidates? I'm assuming when Coen said he was going to assemble a first-rate staff that it doesn't include Taylor or Nielsen.

It would be very, very surprising if the Jaguars' coaching staff included former offensive coordinator Press Taylor or former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Anita from Springfield

The events that took place will reinforce the anti-Trent narrative and I get it. I passed my personal patience point, too. But this one's fer the good players he brought in, and the significantly higher floor we have as a team now than we did when he took over. Thanks for leaving when it was clear you couldn't help more than hurt, Mr. Baalke!

A fair one fer Baalke.

Sam from Orlando

Ever see "The Simpsons" episode where Mr. Burns asks Grandpa Simpson if he can go 10 seconds without embarrassing himself? Seconds after, Grandpa Simpson's pants fall down and he asks "how long was that?" This Franchise is Grandpa Simpson. This entire situation is a needless mess because of indecision and half measures.

I've never watched a Simpson's episode start to finish. I watched the movie. I liked it. The Jaguars' situation is they have a new head coach and will soon have a new general manager. What's currently happening around the Jaguars is no way, shape or form a "half measure."