Winner: Liam Coen
December 17th, 2024
Needy NFL teams watching.
Long-time NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha decided to cobble together a winners and losers list for this past weekend’s games.
And with the Bucs, the man Chadiha thinks is the biggest winner is offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Coen, Chadiha says, should be on teams’ radars that are hunting for a new head coach. And Coen may have made a monster statement, all but hollering on national TV, “Hire me!” with a gameplan that racked up 40 points on the NFL’s top-scoring defense.
Prior to getting curb-stomped by the Bucs, the Chargers were only allowing an average of 16 points a game.
That performance Sunday may have lifted Coen’s visibility among NFL owners, Chadiha types.
Liam Coen: The Buccaneers have the best offense that nobody ever talks about, and that’s largely because of Coen’s leadership as coordinator. … The Bucs beat the Chargers with the pass (Baker Mayfield threw for four touchdowns, while Mike Evans accounted for 159 yards and two scores) and the run (223 yards on the ground, led by Bucky Irving’s 117 yards) and there might have been more if not for two Tampa Bay turnovers. The Buccaneers’ offense clearly isn’t as sexy as those operating in Buffalo or Detroit. However, you can’t argue with the results Coen has created. This unit lost wide receiver Chris Godwin for the season and Evans for three games to a hamstring injury. It still ranked fifth in the league in scoring coming into Sunday, and it’s likely to do more damage in the coming weeks. Coen will be a popular name when the head coach hiring cycle begins next month.
With the exception of Bucco Bruce Arians, is Coen the best offensive coordinator this team has ever had? Dirk Koetter was pretty good but his offenses (a couple of times averaged scoring in the mid-20s) were sort of inconsistent — just like his quarterback.
And when Koetter was the head coach, he had no running game.
When he was forced to have a running game as an offensive coordinator for lousy Lovie Smith in 2015, the Bucs did well on the ground.
Chucky was damn good, no question, but Chucky’s offenses didn’t put up points like Coen. The Bucs with Coen average 28.8 points a game, fourth in the NFL. Chucky’s teams only a couple of times inched above 20 points a game.
December 17th, 2024 at 4:38 am
Watch the Saints hire him.
December 17th, 2024 at 4:38 am
He’s going to get so much Glazer loot.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:22 am
The team has never been able to run and pass like this in the history of the franchise since 1976
For me, Bruce has to take a bow to Coen as far as the Bucs are concerned.
I am not comparing Bruce and Coen with the multitude of different teams offenses Bruce ran over the years, just comparing Coen to Bruce’s time with the Bucs when he had Byron running things.
As far as the Bucs concerned, Coen stands alone.
And yes, Glazers need back up the brinks truck and block Coen’s car from leaving the facility lol until he inks a new deal.
GO BUCS!!!!
December 17th, 2024 at 5:36 am
test
December 17th, 2024 at 5:43 am
They’ll never do it, but they should really let bowles go and hire Coen. This team is good in spite of bowles, and because of Coen. The “defensive genius” has consistently had a bad defense for most of the year and the offense has been carrying the load.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:44 am
Its a small sample size, but just as a Bucs OC specifically, what Coen has done this year is the most impressive single year in Bucs history for an OC.
We had a HISTORICALLY inept ground attack for 5 straight years, across multiple OCs and RBs. Coen arrives and our ground game is top 10 in the league, and we ice games running against 8 man boxes. I would almost call it a miracle.
This franchise has turned into a perennial playoff team over the last 5 years by consistently making good decisions, and this off season will come the biggest one yet: figuring out how to keep Liam Coen. If we are to believe that Arians was forced out in order to keep Brady, its not a stretch that Bowles would suffer the same fate in order to keep Liam. Ideally we can make him assistant HC and pay him $10 mil per year, keeping Bowles as the HC. If there are any objections to that, I don’t think its even a question that the organization has to keep Liam and let Bowles go. What we have seen this year from him is generational. He is another McVay/Shanahan/O’connell. This shouldn’t even need a second thought. If its one or the other, Bye Bye Bowles.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:45 am
But with our luck, the saints are going to hire him, tank next year and get arch manning and dominate the south for the next 15 years
December 17th, 2024 at 5:51 am
Maybe. Lets see several years like up in Detroit.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:51 am
Anyone hear from Defense rules? I always enjoyed his detailed posts. I guess he got tired of all the trolls.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:58 am
Dear Ownership.
Please make Liam very wealthy while starting a new trend in the NFL: Tell the NFL world that Liam will be the next head coach after Bowles leaves the team for whatever reason (hopefully a well deserved retirement after a lot of success).
Thanks,
WillieG (and probably a few other Buc fans)
December 17th, 2024 at 6:08 am
He’s better than Dirk, Bruce or Chucky. To do what he’s doing without Godwin is incredible.
December 17th, 2024 at 6:10 am
Bruce Arians was/is so overrated in my opinion I’m at a loss for words to compare!! Bruce only excelled as an offensive mind is when he had the upper hand in talent PERIOD!! Liam is BY FAR the best offensive mind this franchise has EVER employed and I would be SHOCKED if the Glazer Family let such a talent get away to help another franchise other than their own!!
December 17th, 2024 at 6:34 am
WillieG…I’m with you on that one. I know we kept Kiffin when he was wanted by numerous teams, but Kiffin was never interested in being a head coach. I just hope that Coen wants to stay here.
December 17th, 2024 at 6:35 am
1. There should be a league rule put in place that all offensive and defensive coordinators MUST serve two years at the hiring team before getting poached as a head coach.
2. Todd Bowles should negotiate a deal with the Glazers, Licht and Cohen that after this year (or the year following perhaps) he will gladly cede control of the head coaching position to Liam and take over the responsibility as Defensive Coordinator.
December 17th, 2024 at 6:38 am
Can someone tell me the last time the Bucs had a legit stable of backs, a future Hall of Fame wideout paired with up-and-coming studs, a rock-solid tight end, a potential Hall of Fame left tackle, a damn good right tackle, and a couple of nasty, hard-nosed interior linemen in the trenches?
….Never!!!
December 17th, 2024 at 6:41 am
@RBUC… agreed on Arians. There’s a lot that needed to work for Arians to be successful. 2022 was a prime example of what happens when you’re missing elite talent and/or your Oline underperforms. The no risk-it/no-biscuit was agonizing sometimes. It was fun when you see Bucs execute a bomb, but there were times you just want the offense to move the sticks. I think if Liam can continue to stretch the field and still have the short game, we’re very difficult to beat. I also think we need a bit more time to see how truly gifted he is as a play caller and adapting when the game plan goes south. For right now there’s a lot working in his favor and perhaps working against him. The Oline and the Running Game makes most offensive game plans easier to execute. Beating a tough Chargers defense is something I wanted to see. If Liam is truly as good as we all think, he should have no problem beating these last 3 teams.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:30 am
Todd, is certainly right concerning his minimum 2 year statement. At least the team itself SHOULD most definitely have that clause in the contract with options going both ways concerning compensation and performance.
It was a mistake with Canales and it’s CLEARLY a mistake concerning the Unicorn ~ Liam Coen.
ESPECIALLY if they are unproven and “Obviously” need seasoning before determining the futures of hundreds of employees on “a gamble”. No matter how you slice it….. Big Mistake! AGAIN!
~ Hopefully ~ someone had the presence of mind to have included “some type” of assurances. THOUGH I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IT!
December 17th, 2024 at 7:35 am
One thing is simply undeniable.
We here in Tampa Bay have something SPECIAL GOING ON over here, Year After Year….. All Eyes ARE ON The Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
AND I LIKE IT!
December 17th, 2024 at 7:47 am
Coen is doing a fantastic, especially with all the injuries we have had. Todd is doing well too. They both deserve more money.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:52 am
We have great offensive players that gets overlooked but we should keep Coen even if we have to pay him like a head coach. #Shake&Bake
December 17th, 2024 at 7:56 am
Business decision- Cohen does not leave one buc place at end of year. Bowles would not be where he is sitting this year without Cohens offense and play calling. Bowles defense is subpar. Not a hard choice looking out 3-5 years
December 17th, 2024 at 8:03 am
Winning puts fans in the seats. Puts sponsors on board do what ever it takes to keep the band together
December 17th, 2024 at 8:08 am
True that, Orlando Kevin! Our players are awesome!
December 17th, 2024 at 8:24 am
Bowels is a throw away compared to Coen…..
Keep Coen by any means necessary!
December 17th, 2024 at 8:28 am
he HC/DC & defensive staff are the one thing holding this team back from reaching their full potential. The Glazers have to consider the fan excitement, engagement, & buy-in next season if we let one of the best OC’s in football walk in order to keep a mediocre, less than .500 career win% coach that oversees a D whose numbers have continually declined during his HC tenure, which is a mirror of his time in NY. Just can’t fathom them settling for mediocrity year after year when the goal each season should be to win a friggin’ NFL Championship, NOT just the putrid NFC South. We have an offense that, even at less than full strength, can put points up on even the bests D’s in the league. We need a DC that can match Coen & bring that same energy & vision to the defensive side of the ball. Others out there probably have some names to consider, but this team would be a legit SB contender for the foreseeable future if the right DC is found.
December 17th, 2024 at 8:38 am
Arians was a one dimensional offense and he, Tom Moore or the genius of Byron Leftwich could never design a run game to compliment a dominant pass game. But they did win a Lombardi and had an amazing 2 year run here in Tampa.
Coen has 14 games under his belt and has been able to scheme up a dominant run game and a dangerous passing game when he has healthy receivers. Team has got to finish strong for him to challenge Arians due to the teams accomplishments under BA and his friends and former players staff.
Bucs need to do whatever they can to keep Coen as he’s the sole reason this season is what it is, Todd is deadweight
December 17th, 2024 at 8:50 am
Yeah, we should keep Coen, but those who want to cut/fire, force out our HC/DC, should look at the other teams with their new DC’s, see how good they are playing…
Currently we have a solid D, we need a MLB, LB, another pass rusher, CB. DL. We should resign Godwin, allowing our young WR to grow together.
As for the bad D and bad HC whiners, who was it that held the cheifs to 9 points in the Super Bowl.. What HC has lead our team to be 3 time NFC SOUTH Division Champions, With opportunity to make it 4 in a row? Not Gruden, not McKay, not Ariens, only Bowles has.
GO!!!! BUCS!!!!!
Keep em focused Coach Bowles!!!!! One game at a time. Next up Cowboys… then we end our season playing 2 NFC South teams. We can run the table here. And get a first round bye As Division champs..
December 17th, 2024 at 9:06 am
While it’s the next natural step, the skill set of a head coach needs to be way different than that of a coordinator. Just watch Dan Campbell’s post-game speeches. I wish some of these guys would spend more time honing their proven strengths.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:22 am
Unless Bowles retires, I don’t see how the team keeps Coen.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:24 am
“Anyone hear from Defense rules? ”
He gonna have to change is name to Offesne Rules with Coen here.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:42 am
The Bucs that Raheem Morris was THAT guy and did not let him go.
I wonder where those “Bowles may retire” rumors came from?
Pay Coen now and have a transition plan. Just like with Arians.
December 17th, 2024 at 10:17 am
What is the common denominator between Canales and Coen? Yep, Mayfield!
December 17th, 2024 at 10:35 am
Keep Liam no matter what!!! Considering the injures and the overall talent, this is our best offense ever! Much rather lose Bowles!!!
December 17th, 2024 at 10:35 am
Cohen should be the next HC. Can’t pass on this dude. He’s legit.
December 17th, 2024 at 11:31 am
I’m with AMI-Chris on this. Look at Canales- -he improved our offense and BOOM, he’s hired as a head coach. Has he saved the Panthers- -no and maybe never. Liam has clearly improved whatever Canales did here. I think it would be stupid to hire a HC based on one year performance, but teams do. That is why this is a very tricky thing for the Glazers to handle. I, for one, would NOT like the Bucs to have Liam HC next year. But, I really don’t want to lose him to some other team. They have to keep him as OC without making him HC. How to do that?
December 17th, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Hodad Says:
Watch the Saints hire him.
^^^^^^^
That is so wicked and so brilliant. Mad respect if they pull that off.
December 17th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
RBUC Says:
December 17th, 2024 at 6:10 am
Bruce Arians was/is so overrated in my opinion I’m at a loss for words to compare!!
^^^^^
Ditto
What is the most obvious (but not necessarily likely) option for the Glazers in my opinion ?
1. Resign Bowles as HC only for 3 years.
2. Hire a DC with legit bona fides and ability to develop pass rushers and strong options for assistants.
3. Find a way , no matter the cost, to retain Coen and give him the opportunity to shape and mold the team for the future and ascend to the HC job when the foundation is complete and Bowles can retire with dignity.
Will this happen ? I don’t know but that is what I asked Santa to place in my stocking for Christmas.
December 17th, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Pay Li”HE HIM” the money!!!!
December 17th, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Lock him up. Whatever it takes. And if it’s the head coaching position he must have, well………
December 17th, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Not enough time in a day to worry about silly crap like is Liam coming back. Only way he will be a “hot”commodity is if we make a playoff run. We’re still far from getting there. Wherever he goes do you reckon he’ll have a QB, OLine, and receiver corps like he has here? NO WAY! He’s never been a head coach. I’m glad we have him but all this crazy speculation and let’s give him millions more dollars is ridiculous.
December 17th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
How did I not mention the running backs? Yeah, if Liam is smart as I think he is he’s not going anywhere soon.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:47 pm
Coen is a stupid ahole if he leaves here after only one season as an OC. This team desperately needs some stability at the OC position. Two of them in the last 2 seasons???? Like really?? Thank god for both Licht and Bowles, and I hope the Glazer Boyz realize it. Go Beat the crap out of the Cowp**ies next, Bucs. They are nowhere as good as the Chargers.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:24 pm
I was rewatching a few clips from the late Koetter era. RB1 and 2 were Peyton Barber and Jaqizz Rogers.
We’ve come a long way since then.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:17 pm
I’ve been worried about the Saints snagging him now, for the past month (and them getting Arch, too). Chicago could be interesting, with Caleb, a buncha picks, a decent roster, & in the Top-10 with the most cap space to burn. Hopefully, they are finally, willing to step-up for once, & show Ben Johnson THE MONEY!!!! Both NY Jobs (Jets & Giants) are TRASH… He’d be FIRED within 2-3 years at either! New England would be very appealing… Maybe, Kraft decides to cut-bait with Mayo, & rights a wrong!? Hopefully. The Raiders would have to be a HAILLLLL NAWWWW… LOTS of Reasons. Reid/Mahomes/Chiefs. Harbaugh/Herbert. Paton, or Payton LoL. What a fricking meat grinder of a Division that would be (same with Da Bears). And, then what if they draft SANDERS… Do ya REALLY want to have DEION breathing down your NECK!? That’s another BIG Hail Noooo. JAX… Get Outta Here, with all that! But, here’s a wildcard… THE Cowboys. Jerry would just LOVE a ‘rookie’ HC that he could manipulate and control. You’d still have to say “YES” to that one. We better just hope that Cohen likes the comfortable laid back atmosphere of Tampa Bay, being on the fringes of The NFL, with great weather, a strong FO that is already built with a solid (familiar) foundation, QB, and no state income tax!!!! Ding Ding Ding… Now, that sounds like a winner.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:37 pm
Meant to add Vrabel at the end of Kraft “righting a wrong” – he should’ve signed Vrabel in the first place over Mayo, & he is now already showing regrets. If he decides to go ‘outside’ of the family, we could be in trouble, BUT I don’t see him going with another ‘rookie’ Head Coach. Vrabel makes the most sense there, IF the Bears don’t take him. IF, Da Bears were ‘SMART’ (and not CHEAP) they would ask Johnson to name his price. It would take $15MIL, but you hire him AWAY FROM Detroit. The Bears will most certainly, continue being “Da Bears” tho, & will most surely look to pinch some pennies by hiring Vrabel (or Cohen?) on the cheap. Cohen should NOT settle. It is starting to get very interesting, already.