Jeff Darlington: Liam Coen May Have Been Two Losses Away From Being Bucs Head Coach
January 25th, 2025
What could have been.
Joe fully understands the majority of Bucs fans reading this here site wanted Todd Bowles to either retire or get bounced by Team Glazer.
Shoot, Joe even saw a few readers hoping the Bucs would get blown out by the Commandos because that might jolt Team Glazer into action and chase off Bowles.
It wasn’t so much these folks were anti-Bowles. It is that they were far more pro-Liam Coen.
And a guy who has deep connections in high places with the Bucs, the pride of Seminole High School, Jeff Darlington of ESPN, took to Twitter yesterday and suggested had the Bucs lost two more games this past season, instead of finishing 10-7 but ending the regular season at 8-9, there was a real chance Coen would now be the head coach of the Bucs and not the Jags.
Had Bowles’ team not made the playoffs, there was a very real world where Coen replaced him. So earlier this week, the Bucs thought they avoided the Catch-22 when Coen still agreed to stay as the OC while retaining Bowles. But the Jaguars job, without Trent Balke, was viewed by several top coaching candidates as the top gig.
That’s what makes this situation so twisted: It took someone to fire someone (Balke or Bowles) to land or keep Coen. That’s an uncomfortable space for any team to live — but not completely foreign to Tampa Bay after some strange times with Brady/Arians/Leftwich.
In this scenario, the Bucs opted against the sacrifice. The Jaguars sent Balke packing. And the next several seasons will reveal which conviction proves fruitful.
On face value, this would seem like a bombshell but it’s not. In the final six weeks or so of the season, Joe started snooping and talking to various suits trying to gauge Bowles’ job security.
Joe was mostly met with laughter. The common refrain was either, “We’re winning,” or “The season’s not over.” The hint being if the Bucs had a winning record, there would be no regime change, which seemed reasonable.
(Joe pretty much typed that and spoke that on Ira Kaufman’s podcast, as did Ira, and Joe was raked over the coals for weeks by readers because Joe did not pander to some readers’ prurient desires and hatch a false narrative by conning fans.)
So in the end, Coen may have been too good to stay in Tampa Bay. There is no way the Bucs make the playoffs without Coen working magic on his side of the ball. That bought Bowles job security.
And eventually, that made Coen a $13 Million Dollar Man in Jacksonville.
.@Schultz_Report details Liam Coen accepting Jaguars head coaching job:
"Instead of making $4-4.5 million, I'm told he's going to make Ben Johnson money — which is mid teens." pic.twitter.com/VZF1CUml3L
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 24, 2025
January 25th, 2025 at 6:06 am
What is the status of the search for a new OC?
January 25th, 2025 at 6:20 am
Enough of Coen, who’s to say if the Bucs had fired Bowles or had he retired that Coen was gonna be the next A Reid. Who’s to say he’s gonna be a winner in Jacksonville. I am interested in seeing who the Bucs bring in as the next OC, DL and any other defensive coaches replacements. I know most of us Bucs fans are frustrated, disappointed but what can we do. What’s the use of crying over spill milk. Tied of the negative of Coen leaving let’s get some positives on the OL,DL coaches search.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:27 am
Still no news conference from Licht on the current state of the Bucs? No comment from the Glazers? Have I missed some press releases? I understand it was a sticky situation, bottom line Coen is gone, now what? What’s the plan going forward? We also lost Spy man, and defensive coaches are looking around. Licht must be busy sticking fingers in all the holes popping up, but it’s time to talk to the fans. Don’t need Coen answers, I need what are we doing now answers.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:27 am
Liam Coen’s contract is likely in the range of 4-6 years at $13 million per year, potentially totaling between $52-$72 million in guaranteed money. In the NFL, where head coaching contracts are fully guaranteed, Coen will collect every cent—even if things fall apart early. On top of that, he gets the luxury of hand-picking his own GM. For a guy with just one year of NFL success? That’s insane.
No serious franchise—owners like the Glazers, Robert Kraft,
Jeffrey Lurie, or Clark Hunt—would ever hand out anything remotely to that.
That’s the kind of desperation move you’d expect from franchises like the Raiders or Jaguars, who are constantly chasing stability and relevance.
This is the definition of F U money—the kind of financial security that lets you make bold, high-risk decisions without fear of repercussions. It’s not about having enough money to retire; it’s about having the financial freedom to dictate your own terms and walk away whenever you want.
NFL coaching contracts, unlike player deals, are typically fully guaranteed, meaning Coen will get paid in full no matter what happens. If he’s fired early, Jacksonville will still owe him the remainder of his contract unless he takes another job. This type of financial commitment is insane for a coach with such a limited track record.
At the end of the day, Jacksonville is taking a massive gamble. Whether it pays off or not, Coen has already secured a life-changing deal—something only a desperate franchise would offer.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:28 am
This is exactly why putting people on a pedestal sets you up for disappointment every time. When expectations are inflated beyond reason, reality rarely lives up to the hype. Liam Coen might be a promising coach, but the moment you start treating him like the next great thing without enough proven success, you’re bound to be let down. We’ve seen it before—teams and fans placing all their hopes in the latest “hot” name, only to realize that success in the NFL isn’t built on hype, but on consistency, adaptability, and results.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:33 am
Constantly whining and obsessing over Liam Coen makes us look weak—like a guy who just got dumped for some rich dude in a flashy sports car. Enough already. It’s time to take the red pill and face reality: he’s gone, it’s over, and dwelling on it won’t change a thing. We’re turning the page to a better chapter, focused on what’s next instead of what could have been. Winners don’t sit around crying over lost opportunities—they build something better and move forward. Let’s do the same.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:33 am
Todd, like Andy Reid, is not a CEO style coach, meaning he likes to run one aspect of the team. However, like Andy does with the defense in KC, Todd has done a great job in picking OCs the past two years and let them run that side of the team. I’m intrigued on who he will pick and am also expecting to see his side of the ball improve dramatically this coming year. If that happens then the team is right on schedule coming out of Brady purgatory.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:41 am
I’m no fan of Bowles, but at least he is a man of integrity. Coen, not so much, the guy is a snake. I expect the Bucs to find another good OC this year and for Jason to fix the defense.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:42 am
If anything, the Joe’s should be asking for their broker’s fee 😂—they were his #1 hype men from the jump. Coen cashed in big time, and you can’t blame him for taking the bag. But maybe next time, we pump the brakes before handing out gulps of massive free PR.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:51 am
Amen LIVMYBUCS, well said
January 25th, 2025 at 6:55 am
Time to move on folks. A disappointing turn of events to be sure, but we need to focus now on the Bucs. F the Jags! We have two objectives. Find an OC that will bring relative continuity on the offensive side of the ball and a new DC to fix the passing defense. Hopefully Bowles and Licht can effectively address those two needs.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:00 am
Loyalty is for losers! Bowles should have been fired and Coen promoted to HC. Simple as that. Glazers blew it, again.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:00 am
Liam Coen will be a great head coach mark my words. He’s a generational talent and no way should team Glazer have let him out the door.Everyone here with 2 brain cells knows that. We had a young innovative offensive minded coach that could have steered the bucs ship for many many years and we let him slip away for nothing.. Everyone bent out of shape because he jilted the bucs the way he did is laughable. He did what he had to and he did it skillfully. The bucs ownership should be taking notes. After all that’s been done 1 team is clearly on a rise and the other stuck in the mud. I know the haters are going to hate…go ahead…I could care less. Most here are brainwashed by the shoddy propaganda journalism !!!
January 25th, 2025 at 7:04 am
Forget Coen, another OC is gonna come in and light it up. Bowles needs to hire a DC, even co-DC to take some load off him and get a fresh scheme perspective. Our biggest coaching issue remains.
Not that this was ever in the cards, but I think in a couple years we will realize Canales was the guy we needed in the building, not Coen. 5 wins outta that Panthers squad and possibly turning Young around in a season is more impressive than anything Bowles and Coen have done in the last 3 years.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:05 am
After all that’s been done 1 team is clearly on a rise and the other stuck in the mud.
———
which team is on the rise and which is stuck in the mud @Bucben 1961 ???
i gotta hear this…?
January 25th, 2025 at 7:05 am
It seemed like the rise of Bucky Irvin helped his cause. Imagine if he had to depend on Rachaad White and his 2 yard a carry average. Not to mention the fumbles at the most critical times.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:07 am
Sometimes a team won’t take no for an answer. Remember when the Bucs sold out for Gruden? They had to pay him until he took the Raider job.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:08 am
the rise of bucky after the mid season losing streak def helped everything…
he will not have a bucky in wacksonville
January 25th, 2025 at 7:12 am
I’ll give you 11 reasons why the Bucs will be just fine and the Jags will have yet another losing season — our starting offense (including Chris Godwin).
Moreover, Trevor Lawrence is no Baker Mayfield. How many games this season were won due to Baker’s grit and INTELLIGENCE? Baker is another very skilled realtime offensive coordinator on the field. Lawrence has nice hair but can’t yet grow a beard.
Hire within. Keep the same offense. Make sure your now-current offensive staff does not get poached and LFG!
My Dad always counseled, “Oftentimes the key to happiness is to simply want what you have.”
An oh, those who lack integrity tend to ultimately get what they deserve. I’m down with that.
Happy weekend all you amazing Bucs fans!!!
January 25th, 2025 at 7:14 am
In my book, both Coen and Canales owe Mayfield a fat check and Bowles as well for giving them the opportunity in the first place. Enough already with the Coen crap. Time to move on.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:15 am
@PahMike
Respect Bredren
January 25th, 2025 at 7:16 am
Jeff
I get the frustration, but firing Bowles wouldn’t have been as simple as you think. Beyond X’s and O’s, firing a minority coach who just won three straight division titles would have sent shockwaves through the locker room and beyond. The chemistry built during this soft rebuild isn’t something you can just replace overnight.
And let’s be real—given that 35% of minority coaches are fired within their first year, cutting ties with Bowles would’ve created a major firestorm in today’s digital age. The backlash could have impacted everything from locker room morale to attracting top free agents. Players talk, and perception matters.
The Glazers had to weigh more than just short-term results; they had to consider the long-term stability of the franchise. Sometimes, loyalty isn’t just about sentiment—it’s about smart business
January 25th, 2025 at 7:17 am
^^^
as a child i was told if you eat “grumbis”……..yes grumbis…whatever the f that is…lol
you will grow hair on your chest…
someone should add grumbis to the morning buffet breakfast’s in shacksonville so barbie boy lawrence can get that facial hair to finally sprout out
January 25th, 2025 at 7:18 am
Bucben1961, I don’t think the Bucs just let him walk out the door but as LUVMYBUCS said, the Glazers and not many owners if any at all was gonna give that type of contract and control to a unproven candidate. Sure Coen looked like a sure winner last season but, can he do it elsewhere with different personnel
January 25th, 2025 at 7:20 am
I don’t know, i dont think we should make a hard decision until Munch gives us his opinion. We will have to pry it out of him but it will be worth the effort. The gems that guy imparts on us are invaluable. I mean he was only wrong for 2 years about our franchise quarterback, that’s not that long. I know people that have been wrong for 3 years on certain subjects. I say we wait
January 25th, 2025 at 7:21 am
@Joe – Where’s the future OC articles buddy?
January 25th, 2025 at 7:22 am
Fans will feel better once they realize Baker Mayfield and the players we have are the reason we went to the playoffs not Coen. Didn’t we just go through this the season before? With our improved offensive line play, we’ll be very competitive as long as we stay healthy.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:24 am
Im done hearing everyone cry about it, lets move on to the next coach.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:24 am
STOP IT !
January 25th, 2025 at 7:26 am
eat grumbus boys…………………be men !!
January 25th, 2025 at 7:29 am
This MUST be passed at the next owners meeting:
The Bowles Rule — Offensive and defensive coordinators must serve a minimum of two seasons before any team can interview and hire them away.”
Take the pressure off the head coaches — this carrousel is getting ridiculous. We should not be lauding that Todd Bowles is a “King Maker”. Screw that. We have reached a new level of stupid and the owners can easily stop the madness with a simple rule change.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:29 am
We chose to stay the course, let’s see how it plays out this season and beyond. I was bellyaching about this scenario for a while. “It’s going to suck to retain one of the worst pass defenses in the league, with a coach whose had his players in the scheme for 5+ years, and pass up on a chance to
Land the next Sean McVey.
I like Todd, but not sure he can right the defensive ship.
This hurt.
And we are stupid for being mad at Coen. Who’s going to pass up on $50million and a top HC job? Lol!
January 25th, 2025 at 7:36 am
There must be a lot of new Buc fans here because no one in his right mind would want to replace a winning head coach with a one year wonder OC. Those of us who saw a very good and highly experienced OC (Koetter) replace an inept LOSING head coach know that doesn’t always turn out so well. That’s why I am glad Bowles is staying. Hopefully he will hire another excellent OC and I can roll my eyes some more when all y’all Bowles haters start with the same crap.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:37 am
No need to cry about it. To quote the great Todd Monken, “we chose to suck”.
I expect to see the defense be top notch next year, no more vanilla zone getting carved up by Rattler and co. No more toothless edge rushing.
And we are being bold as hell by passing on McVey 2.0.
Our feelings don’t matter, money talks!
Glazers and Licht just lit their money on Bowels and I dig it. I hope we can win the division, win a playoff game, and not look like dog sh!t on pass defenses
January 25th, 2025 at 7:37 am
Coen’s yesterday’s news. He’s a piece of $h!t for the way he did us. Let’s move on and stop whining about this dirt bag.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:38 am
Coen is gone move on. Bowles will be fired next year and Bellicheat will be plunked from his job at UNC and brought in is my guess.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:39 am
it’s over and all irrelevant at this point because…..
let’s say coen came in thursday morning to sign, and did sign…
then khan calls him and says hop on a plane and come see me now, i’ve got b!tches and bottles…
plus i have 50 mil over 4 years for your azz…and i will let you pick the gm…and you can stay in my time share mansion any time you like on the gaza strip…
coen weighs 50 mil and all the perks vs a lousy 15 mil and minimal perks in tampa as it currently stood…
so even if he signs on thursday, by monday morning it would have been announced that he is the new HC in shacksonville
January 25th, 2025 at 7:39 am
WillieG,
See Tony Dungy! He got fired for less.
Bowels is .500 in his career! Yippee! Show me a Super Bowl run, show me game management, and show me the best use of timeouts. Short of winning 8, 9, 10 games in a row and three divisions over the worst division in the NFL, it’s not that impressive. It’s good but not great. I’d rather roll the dice to be great and we need to be great in 2025.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:43 am
LUV
Thanks as always for bringing some sanity back! BTW you’ve always been a poster I’ve appreciated but some jamoke came here and took your name minus the U as LVMYBUCS. Threw me off at first but he/she does not have your talent and I thought what happened to LUV? Then I spotted the missing U. Glad the REAL you showed up this morning.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:47 am
now that’s interesting…
what if:
the glazers are just laying in the weeds for a year because they see the real head coaching prize to be bill belichik…
this coen clown act might be just that, and shad khan maybe just blew his whole wad again on another half decade of losing…
#LongGameThinking
January 25th, 2025 at 7:49 am
Who is next?????
January 25th, 2025 at 7:51 am
This is an AMAZING display of the 80% of negative thinking! This is beyond stooopid!! People can SPECULATE about anything and I get people are entitled to their OPINIONS but dang!!!
With all the choices of things to think about why are humans drawn to the most negative. So nobody had any doubts at the end of the losing streak that Todd’s job was on the line and justifiably! HE AND HIS PLAYERS saved it by proving TWO years in a row his team would not quit!
I’ve really lost respect for Darlington if this is best manure he can shovel.
He states the OBVIOUS in the most negative manner possible. This is supposed to be some kind of scoop? I’ve got one just as good. There’s gambling going on at the Hard Rock!
I’ve supported Coach Bowles right to retain his job! He’s EARNED it. IF you wish to say barely and concentrate on the losing fine, go over there in the corner with the rest of the negative nellies JEFF. At least if you choose to dwell on POSSIBLE Buc failures than never happened, how about something WE ALL DIDN’T ALREADY KNOW!
Instead of marvelling how Todd and his coaches and his players sucked it up, hung together, PROVING ALL THE DOUBTERS WRONG Jeff needs to satisfy our negative cravings with MORE obvious and POINTLESS speculation.
I support Coach Bowles. i am well aware and agree he needs to win 10 + again this year or walk. Why do I want to place my mind on failure instead of success?
Again at the level some of you think as in “BOWELS” how about something you’ve heard and perhaps can comprehend. The “Little Train” didn’t successfully reach the top (Super Bowl) chugging “I think I can’t I think I can’t, I think I can’t, I think I can’t!!!
This is why D.R,. and I had to take breaks. The negativity is sometimes OVERWHELMING here and this is exhibit A.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:54 am
StPeteBucsFan
Thank you, Sir. I’ve always had a lot of respect for you as well. I’m not sure why the Joe’s have allowed guys to hijack veteran posters’ names like that. I remember Lord Cornelius and a few others expressing their frustration about it in the past. It’s somewhat frustrating, but hey, I’m still here, and I truly appreciate you.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:54 am
“the glazers are just laying in the weeds for a year because they see the real head coaching prize to be bill belichik…”
More ignorant BS by somebody who is too lazy to google Bill Belichiks ACTUAL coaching record. SUBTRACT the seasons he had Brady, ten years over TWO different franchises and his record SUCKS compared to Todd Bowles!!!
BB is an actual LOSER without Brady. So unless BB can magically reincarnate a 25 year old Tom Brady why would any goober want to see him here. His sparkling personality? Yeah that’s the ticket!
January 25th, 2025 at 7:56 am
@stpetebucsfan:
dam you need a beer and it’s only 8 am 🙂
January 25th, 2025 at 7:57 am
Who cares? Let’s not waste precious time. COen and the owner deserve each other,.
Who would be the best candidate? They are talking about Slowik,but the Texan fans are happy he is gone! Is this who we want? CJ stroud happy he is gone. No thanks.
Chip Kelly? Hmmm…..NFL record not great….
Peetz? Too close to Coen?
January 25th, 2025 at 7:59 am
hey i didn’t say i want him here…so don’t get it all twisted…it says the glazer might see him as the real prize…
you do need a beer
January 25th, 2025 at 7:59 am
This just affirms what we all know – the Jags got the better coach. I’m sick of all the “we’re winning” BS. That’s because our division is weak, in rebuilding mode, with coaches finding their footing. The bottom line is that we are underachieving for the talent on this team. And, we are winning despite Todd’s sorry defense that gets lit up every stinking week. So, Liam saved Todd’s job? That’s just stupid logic. Todd Bowles is not winning. The franchise is overcoming his sorry coaching. So here’s what the dumb Glazers will do. They will fire him next year after we stink and hire an even worse coach given the market. SMH.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Joes, it’s time to move on from Coen. He’s made his decision, and while he may not have handled things well, (REAL JERK MOVE HOW HE DID IT) anyone would leave for generational wealth. That kind of money can set up his family for life if managed wisely. Even if he doesn’t succeed in a few years, he’s financially secure for life.
Now, let’s focus on potential replacements. Do we have any insider information about who the Buccaneers are considering? Have they reached out to anyone yet? Who’s the current favorite? What about Larry Foote as a candidate for defensive cordinatorin Detroit?
This is about the team, not an individual. The Buccaneers organization has made their choice, and now it’s time to move forward. Whatever that looks like, let’s focus on what’s next for the future of this franchise. We need to look ahead and stop dwelling on someone who, at this point, doesn’t matter. Let’s get ready for the upcoming challenges ie draft, free agency, finding a new cordinator, and ultimately fixing the defense….
When it comes to Coen and The kitty cats last thing I will say is way to start in interstate rivalry as before this i could care less about them.
NOW I WANT THE BUCS TO KICK THERE A**!!
Not by just a few points either, I want a 50 burger with a shutout…
EVERY TIME!! They play….
January 25th, 2025 at 8:00 am
or better yet go eat some grumbus 🙂
January 25th, 2025 at 8:02 am
@Steve K
First can you DOCUMENT the actual times Bowles effed up clock management.
I do not dispute he’s had some, I DO dispute they’ve occured in horrible numbers and I’d also ask to show me a coach who hasn’t had some mistakes there?
Andy Reid the best coach in the game today had some with Philly.
Second Either you Steve or any of the other goobers who keep whining about oh it’s a weak division should do a little research and embarrass me and prove your point.
Todd’s teams can only play the opponents the NFL gives them in the Division they have been placed! Can somebody simply go through the Bucs past two seasons and compare Todd’s winning % in the rotten NFC South to his win % against all other Divisions combined.
The way some of you guys post I’d expect Todd to be 10 to 20% higher win %.
Please prove with actual results just how Todd has benefitted.
Oh I get it reaching the playoffs. Again look at the past five seasons and see if there are any other divisions that have sucked.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:06 am
NiceTry
“This just affirms what we all know – the Jags got the better coach.”
That’s just absurd. It CONFIRMS nothing! LC hasn’t even coached a single game. Has he ever been a coordinator for a SB champ. Has he won 3 straight Division titles and been part of the first.
What it actually AFFIRMS is that for some irrational reason you loathe TB so much it prompts you to make ludicrous posts.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:06 am
poor stpetebucsfan woke with a tight sack…
and didn’t take care of it 🙂 🙂 🙂
January 25th, 2025 at 8:12 am
Sometimes you have to be brutal when it comes to business and make some difficult and less than nice decisions. Why I do Like Todd I do not Think he will take this team to a championship. Would Coen take the Bucs to a Championship I don’t no but Bowels will not.
With that said, how many of you are you are going to turn down $52 million and your dream job your the man in charge you are calling the shots for $12 million.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:12 am
I wish I could take the absolute vile that stpetebucsfan is typing and turn it into paper so I can wipe my a$$
January 25th, 2025 at 8:15 am
Adam
A little early for a beer but you’re correct I probably need a gummy! LOL
Sorry but I’ve studied life for a long time now and so I offer you all this tidbit.
It has the power to really change your lives not just as Buc fans but in your families, jobs and everywhere. It’s why I’m so nuckin futs this morning.
The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits.
Check yo sheets you can look this up. Sorry to be so preachy but this is supposed to be fun here and I get debating styles and choices but the vitriol against Todd is off the freaking charts and why? Timeouts? Covering up horrid CB’s and missing ILBs and Safeties with too much zone? All legitimate complaints. But for that we have to go all grade school and Bowels our way through posts?
How about..the Bucs are sure to find a great OC since the Bucs OC position is now the most desirable in the entire league. GREAT talent, franchise QB, great OL…and MOST OF ALL…the last two OC’s for the Bucs became HC’s.
How about the freaking positive. Guys are beating down the door to get to Todd right now to be the next Coen/Canales. How about Darlington try and suss out some speculation on how many and who are texting, emailing and phonng off the hook?
January 25th, 2025 at 8:18 am
He was a good OC, but this hype is ridiculous. Anyone remember Norv Turner? He was an offensive mastermind when he had Aikman, Emmitt and Irving. Where is his Super Bowl ring as a head coach?
Move on.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:18 am
yes his morning spew is like a cvs receipt…
have you ever gotten a cvs receipt…?
a long cvs receipt…
it’s like a long piece of toilet paper…
and yes you can wipe your dung hole with it and mail it to him at his basement address in mildewville, florida
January 25th, 2025 at 8:21 am
There are no asterisks next to the names of Marv Levy, Mike Ditka, Bill Walsh, Bill Cowher, Andy Reid, or Bill Belichick for dominating relatively weak divisions during their teams’ runs of success. And there won’t be one next to Todd Bowles’ name either. In 2022, he made the strategic decision to rest the starters in the final game—a game he could have easily won, finishing 10-7 instead of 9-8. “It doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile; winning’s winning.”
January 25th, 2025 at 8:21 am
This was a debacle every way you look at it.
We dont know if Coen would have been a good HC in Tampa, we will see in Jax.
It is what it is.
But honestly I am still amazed how many fans think that scheme does not matter much. That scheme apparently cant create holes in the running game, cant create open field for receivers and cant confuse opposing defenses. It seems like only the players are responsible for the production of the Offense. Seems to me like we forgot the previous years where we were yelling why we cant create holes and we are dead last in rushing and why we cant scheme receivers open like other Offenses.
But hey schemes dont matter, coaching does not matter. Its only the players.
Ok cool. Scheme is irrelevant. I can be the next OC and the offense will be better next year, I will have Bucky Irving. We will score 35 points per game.
I m not defending Coen and his approach to take the Jax job but the amount of fans that think his offense and his scheme are meaningless and the players are responsible for the top 5 offense is beyond me.
Go Bucs
January 25th, 2025 at 8:23 am
Buchen61
“wish I could take the absolute vile that stpetebucsfan is typing and turn it into paper so I can wipe my a$$”
Thanks so much! When people insult me I always consider the source and coming from you that’s a true compliment!
I get people get bored, or wish to change the subject, just freaking SCROLL!!!
Again many of you have made it personal with Todd so I get it. But after 2 1/2 decades in Broadcasting I have a skin so thick you’ll never penetrate.
I love insults when they come from goobers! LMAO
January 25th, 2025 at 8:25 am
I’m gonna be soooooooo pissed off we launch Bowles next year
January 25th, 2025 at 8:28 am
@stpetebucsfan:
yeah that’s what i’m talkin’ about…a little optimism…
sure we all wanted to keep coen as the OC…
and most here realize we have no idea how he will pan out as a HC…
but yes we are in a fairly sweet spot, where our OC job is probably one of the most desired in the league right now…
not a bad spot to be…
except for bucs brass and players – who will have to break in another guy, again…they’re probably getting a little tired of that repeat performance…
yes a gummy could do the job too 🙂
January 25th, 2025 at 8:28 am
Stpetebf I figured you out the moment you posted the ‘losers and suckers’ comment the other day . You are a fat left lunatic. Go kiss your Kamala bumper sticker you will feel better
January 25th, 2025 at 8:35 am
Xristos,
Very astute. I just wish we all had a deeper understanding of how the game works, because I obviously don’t when I think about the whole Bobby Slowik thing. This guy is either a genius or a fool, because he went from the guy all smart football people want to unemployed in one year.
It’s a mix of scheme and talent for sure, but how do those scales weigh out?
January 25th, 2025 at 8:35 am
Spbf… I figured you out the moment you posted you ‘losers and suckers’ comment the other day…. You are a far left lunatic
January 25th, 2025 at 8:37 am
when i initially saw coen’s resume and noticed the back and forth from kentucky to the rams and back to kentucky in a 3 year span…plus other bouncing around…it was a red flag…
but i ignored the red flag…but i remember my brain def red flagging it for a moment…
now you realize he bounced around like a pinball…
he was never staying here…
he’s a fly by night type…
it’ll be interesting to keep an eye on how things turn out for him over time in jacksonville…
maybe stop getting the young upstart coordinator – and get an older guru type, who you know might not have the energy to ping pong around later in life, like some of these young bucks
January 25th, 2025 at 8:40 am
In the spirit of starting the year off with love for all, singing around the campfire vibes, I think the most trolling pessimistic and sunshine optimistic posters can agree on one thing:
We either win the division in 2025 or we have a new HC in 2026. Not claiming it’s good enough, but it has to be rock bottom minimum
January 25th, 2025 at 8:41 am
I personally didnt care if it was Coen or somebody else, as long as Super Todd was gone. He is a terrible coach and I would of been fine with Coen but would of rather had a long coaching search first and if he was the best available then so be it.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:44 am
F Cown, no integrity! Enjoy being fired after two seasons in Jax lol. Bye Felicia!
January 25th, 2025 at 8:52 am
i think gruden wants back in…
he sees a team that is ready to reach the pinnacle again soon…
beef has been squashed between he and the glazers…so maybe he’s in the cards for OC…
if he becomes our next OC…highest paid OC in the league…it will cause reverberations throughout the league…
it could be just the right move…
and of course the celebratory re-hanging of his name up in the ROH would be classic too…
he might be just the right guy at just the right time again…
and if bowles is ousted…chucky bounces right back in as HC…
heck, billy martin was manager of the ny yankees multiple times and fought with steinbrenner all the time
January 25th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Unfortunately, the Bucs will take a step back. Bowels is not a good coach at this point in his career. Coen handled this poorly, but the Bucs are still in a bad spot by retaining Bowles. Jason Licht has done a poor job with letting Bowles continue to run the organization.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:54 am
once the games are played tomorrow, coen’s name should never be mentioned again…
yesterdays news…
yesterday’s snot all over yesterday sleeves
January 25th, 2025 at 9:02 am
Moving on….
Let’s focus on the coaches that need replacing, the FAs we have, our cap situation, and the draft.
Glazers have made their choice for HC clear. Now Bowles needs to win, or he’s out at the end of the ’25 season.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:03 am
Only one thing matters, winning the ring. I would take 3 straight 0-17 seasons if we won the ring in the 4th. SPBF, take a look in the mirror and answer honestly whether you believe Bowels is a good enough coach to take us to the promised land? I don’t believe he is. Worst game manager in the league. And no, off the top of my head I can’t remember all the specifics. However, in every close game we lost this year, there was a Bowels boneheaded decision. No question he is beloved by his players, but he’s just not an upper echelon head coach.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:10 am
New Bucs OC will be Alex Van Pelt. He will be around for two years and then become head coach somewhere. Maybe Tampa?
January 25th, 2025 at 9:14 am
Now we’re stuck with Mr. 28-27.
This is what happens when you lack the courage of your convictions.
Keeping Bowles is a message to everyone that winning is not the goal.
Wasting another year under his lousy defensive scheme makes no sense.
Please get over your obsession with Coen. It’s over.
If not, rename the website to JoeCoenLove.com
January 25th, 2025 at 9:16 am
Let’s not forget—this transition has been in motion for years. Todd Bowles has been eyeing a zone-heavy approach since his final season with the Jets, when he brought in longtime Denver Broncos assistants Rick Dennison (Offensive Line) and Jeremy Bates (Quarterbacks/OC) to implement similar concepts.
Under Dave Canales, along with offensive line coaches Joe Gilbert and Harold Goodwin, two coaches with less experience in zone techniques, the groundwork was started. However, under the leadership of Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry and Assistant Brian Picucci, who brought a deeper understanding of zone principles, the system was refined and elevated to new levels.
Zone concepts typically take 2 to 3 years to fully master, and by the end of the season, everything was finally starting to click.
The fat boys up front were reinforced with key free-agent additions—Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta, who provided competition at left guard, while first-round pick Graham Barton solidified the center position, pushing Robert Hainsey into a valuable depth role. In his second full season at right tackle, Luke Goedeke continued to develop, while Cody Mauch dedicated the offseason to getting stronger, ensuring a solid foundation up front.
Additionally, rookie running back Bucky Irving, with his extensive experience in zone schemes from his time at Oregon, made a seamless transition and provided an immediate impact in the offense.
I always thought one of Gruden’s biggest downfalls was not implementing zone concepts while he was here. The system could have added a new dimension to the offense, but some guys just like to cook things their own way. Shanahan’s version of the West Coast offense was unique, and maybe Gruden didn’t want to encroach on that territory. Whether it was stubbornness or just sticking to what he knew best, it’s hard not to wonder how things might have been different if he had embraced more of those zone principles.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:17 am
@BallHawk75
But but but… 3 division titles!!
January 25th, 2025 at 9:21 am
Rest In Power to The Great Alex Gibbs—a true innovator of the game who doesn’t get nearly enough respect for his impact. His pioneering work in zone-blocking schemes revolutionized offensive line play and laid the foundation for some of the most successful rushing attacks in NFL history
January 25th, 2025 at 9:25 am
History has shown that running backs don’t need elite draft pedigrees to thrive in the right system. Some of the league’s most successful backs in zone schemes were late-round picks or undrafted players:
*Terrell Davis – 1995 | 6th Rd (196) | DEN | 7,607 YDS | 4.6 AVG | 60 TDs
*Mike Anderson – 2000 | 6th Rd (189) | DEN | 4,067 YDS | 4.4 AVG | 37 TDs
*Michael Turner – 2004 | 5th Rd (154) | SDG/ATL | 7,338 YDS | 4.5 AVG | 66 TDs
*Arian Foster – 2009 | Undrafted | HOU | 6,527 YDS | 4.4 AVG | 54 TDs
*Alfred Morris – 2012 | 6th Rd (173) | WAS | 6,173 YDS | 4.4 AVG | 35 TDs
*Aaron Jones – 2017 | 5th Rd (182) | GNB | 5,284 YDS | 5.1 AVG | 43 TDs
This blueprint of success speaks for itself.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:29 am
With 2 years under his belt and Coen gone Baker is the leader of the offense. Bakes is smart, studious, and has seen ever possible offense with so many different OC,s. He us up on the latest trends having learned from the Rams coach. It used to be QBs called their own play’s. Ironically as a former Brown it was Paul Brown who was the first Coach to call plays. A google AI search said Aaron Rodgers called his own plays with the Pack. It also said Burrows did when the radio malfunctioned. Why not hire one of Bakers friends Alex van pelt and let them share responsibility. If bakes does not like the call he can just change it. A high profile guy won’t allow that. I believe Alex is unemployed.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:32 am
I hate losing Coen as much as anyone but you can’t fault the guy for leaving for a head coach opportunity. I question his judgement jumping at Jax like Canales with Car. Those are 2 dysfunctional franchises with bad ownership… Just saying.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:43 am
Check that. Alex is the oc for the pats. I believe he can be lured over by Baker because they had tremendous success in 2020-21 at Browns. Alex called the plays in the thrashing of the Steelers in the playoffs . Mayes is an unknown still and the pats are rebuilding. Apparently being oc for Baker is as ticket to a high paying HC job. All very attractive.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:45 am
Drunk Bucs Fan,
Agree the Slowik firing and the Texans Offense this season should be a case study.
As i said a couple times before I m just a Greek guy sitting here in Greece watching my Bucs. Because I m a big American football fan I watch almost every game through Gamepass. What i saw this season from Texans was one of the worst Oline plays I have probably seen. All season long they could not protect Stroud.
What else happened to contribute to the Slowik firing I cant tell.
I just cant understand how many fans think changing a OC and an entire scheme probably is not a big deal.
We saw Canales offense last season and we saw Coen offense this season.
For me it was like night and day between playcalling and scheme.
Players do matter of course but coaching and scheme matters a lot.
Anyway what is done is done. No reason to keep arguing about Coen.
Just have to wait and see what the future holds.
Go Bucs
January 25th, 2025 at 9:48 am
Bucben61 cannot remember your own name. Now Buchen61
January 25th, 2025 at 9:51 am
Check tHat check. HE us unemployed. Alex Van Pelt – Former Patriots offensive coordinator in 2024 / Browns offensive coordinator in 2023
January 25th, 2025 at 9:58 am
I agree with some of the commenters above….
It’s time to move on
This guy is not Bill Walsh 2.0
Hopefully Joe and the rest of Bucs can stop obsessing over a overhyped clown who doesn’t wanna be here
January 25th, 2025 at 9:59 am
*Bucs media
January 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am
I say give Thad Lewis his shot. Get Gruden and Tom Moore to be his seniors advisors. Keep RB and Oline coaches if possible. Go to Ohio state for WR coach. go to Notre Dame for their WB coach. Get the Las Vegas Raiders TE Coach if available. REBUILD defense. Get the DC from Ohio State. That’s where you start.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Another good option.
Like Coen, Peetz spent time with Sean McVay and the Rams. He was an offensive assistant in 2022 and then replaced Coen as L.A.’s pass game specialist in 2023 when Coen went to Kentucky to be the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator.
Peetz has one year of play-calling experience in 2021 at LSU under former head coach Ed Orgeron where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. That year quarterback Max Johnson, the son of former Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson, threw 27 touchdown passes, which ranks fourth in LSU history in a single season. Running back Ty Davis-Price set the single game LSU rushing record in a victory versus Florida with 287 yards and three touchdowns.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:02 am
DBS…I didn’t do that…I’m looking at it now and it clearing says Bucben1961 for leave a reply….hmmmm
January 25th, 2025 at 10:04 am
And we are being bold as hell by passing on McVey 2.0.
—————-
That is one way of looking at it. I personally disagree and think they are being cowardly. They choose fear over courage. They feared they unknown so they choose to stay with mediocrity.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:05 am
Lol… I figured it out. I post from 2 separate phones.. one had Buchen62… Have absolutely no idea how that happened but thanks for pointing it out
January 25th, 2025 at 10:06 am
Draft Sawyer from the Buckeyes.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:13 am
there needs to be a rule that you have to have at least two, or three seasons as a coordinator before taking a head coach position. or, at least have to give up a high draft pick to the team losing the coach
January 25th, 2025 at 10:17 am
Sorry about my slow leaner grandson his mom drank while she was pregnant and he’s always been full of hate
January 25th, 2025 at 10:18 am
For those who are interested, Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bucs are interviewing Nate Scheelhaase from the Rams for the OC job.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:27 am
No one ever gives credit to our roster. It’s always the people that’s making the play call don’t give me wrong lefty wasn’t the greatest but he had Brady to deal with. He can’t run. He can’t do anything but sit in the pocket we get Dave Canales and he gets all the credit for Baker Mayfield Baker is a Baller and he’s been doing this already now Coen steps in and everybody is D riding this guy like he’s the next coming of Jesus, our roster gets the job done bring in a competent offensive coordinator and will get to the playoffs next year
January 25th, 2025 at 10:28 am
@Chuck
Thanks! Sounds like a promising hire. The kid did great work at Iowa State. Hopefully, we target Jaylin Noel in the later rounds of the draft—he could be a solid addition.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Buchen
“Spbf… I figured you out the moment you posted you ‘losers and suckers’ comment the other day…. You are a far left lunatic”
Let me see if I get you? You think it’s ok to call we who have served in war zones or perhaps the comment was directed only at POW’s and those who lost their lives “suckers and losers”?
You think that any veteran who has difficulty with those comments from a fat weathy boy who dodged the draft with purchased Medical Diagnosis is then tossed into some imaginery “far left lunatic bin”
Again just so I’m clear. Are all those people who thank me for my service far left lunatics?
Here is a reason that triggers me perhaps more than most. I was stationed in REAR heavily fortified facility at Bien Hoa guarding the Air base. We had a ten foot tall berm, three rows of concertina barbed war with Claymore mines and Fugas a form of jellyfied gas in 55 gallon drums that when ignited launched a spew of sticky flames. I was relatively safe while the others in my Division were up at Hue in HORRIBLE costly, deadly fighting that the fat man can’t even imagine.
I used to go to the “Black Wall” memorial in DC every year when business took me to the Capital. I’d look at the names and question why my name wasn’t there. So yeah I EFFING TRIGGERED BY THE NAMES WHO ARE THERE!!
I suspect we do have a hero amongst us but he’s far too modest to claim any such thing. But IMHO anybody who flew Jets over ‘Nam has cojones the size of bowling balls and dare I say it, is a genuine hero!!! I’m not going to identify this poster because he’s a modest even keeled gentleman unlike the raging ahole I’ve become this morning. Waaaaahhh call it PTSD or if you prefer…FAR LEFT LUNACY!!!
January 25th, 2025 at 10:55 am
There is a rule that two or three years experience are necessary before moving higher. It’s called common sense. Given his reportedly opulent guaranteed contract, Coen is the coaching counterpart of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Perhaps the Jags will now trade quarterbacks with the Browns, and both teams will continue to flourish.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:38 am
WilieG Says:
January 25th, 2025 at 7:36 am
There must be a lot of new Buc fans here because no one in his right mind would want to replace a winning head coach with a one year wonder OC. Those of us who saw a very good and highly experienced OC (Koetter) replace an inept LOSING head coach know that doesn’t always turn out so well. That’s why I am glad Bowles is staying. Hopefully he will hire another excellent OC and I can roll my eyes some more when all y’all Bowles haters start with the same crap.
——————–
In horse racing there are a class of races for horses who have never won a race (maiden races). Sometimes you see a horse in there with 20 starts and he has a bunch of 3rd and 2nd place finishes and think this has to be the best horse. No. He’s a proven loser. Then you see a horse with maybe 1 start, he finished 5th. But he did something exceptional. Maybe a blistering fast start and tired out or maybe slow start and made a huge run in the middle of the race. There is no guarantee the 2nd horse will be the better horse but there is a guarantee the first horse is a loser. Bowles is the first horse. He’s a known quantity and it’s not good.
January 25th, 2025 at 12:08 pm
Todd Bowles: A Proven Winner at Every Level
-As a Player: Super Bowl Champion (XXII) – Washington Redskins
-As an Executive: Super Bowl Champion (XXXI) – Green Bay Packers
-As a Defensive Coordinator: Super Bowl Champion (LV) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-Accolade: AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year (2014)
Let’s hope he can add Super Bowl Champion (HC) to his resume and bring another championship to Tampa Bay!
January 25th, 2025 at 12:23 pm
Get Chuckie on the phone.
January 25th, 2025 at 12:46 pm
BucBen1961 said: Liam Coen will be a great head coach mark my words. He’s a generational talent and no way should team Glazer have let him out the door.Everyone here with 2 brain cells knows that. We had a young innovative offensive minded coach that could have steered the bucs ship for many many years and we let him slip away for nothing
Well said BucBen1961. That statement says it all!!!
January 25th, 2025 at 12:48 pm
We go 8-9 and there’s a good chance Bowles is fired, but we dip to 8-9 it also tells me that perhaps Coen’s offense took a dip as well. Most likely a drop in points per game that we’ve all be raving about. Would any team been interested in Coen if the Bucs miss the playoffs? Better yet, would that have been a safe play for the Bucs to simply anoint Coen, if we went 8-9 and missed the playoffs?
This logic is so twisted, because it requires more context on why things ended up the way they end up if we would have lost 2 more games last season.
January 25th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
Wow I’ve lost track of how many dead horses are getting the grolly beaten out of them in this thread.
Shout out to Adam for making me chortle out loud about the morning beer for a certain pixie dust spreader. And to Todd for pointing out that the Jax QB who looks like a chick can’t grow a beard!
January 25th, 2025 at 1:54 pm
Jeff Darlington: “In this scenario, the Bucs opted against the sacrifice. The Jaguars sent Balke packing.”
.
.
His name isn’t Balke. It’s Baalke. Fitting that a guy named after a Caananite god who demanded human sacrifice got offered up himself. LOL
January 25th, 2025 at 2:49 pm
“Pixie Dust Spreader”. I actually like that one. I’ll own up to it completely!
January 25th, 2025 at 2:49 pm
All of his opinion, that’s all. What makes this Weasal a “generational talent”?
And how did we “let him slip away for nothing”.
We made an offer to make him the highest paid O.C. in NFL history, he accepted.
Then he said fuk off to us. What more should we have done ?
I don’t disagree with the 2 brain cells part. Everyone with 2 brain cells might agree but most of us have more than 2 brain cells.
Embarrassing how some of you crush so hard for this douche.
We will be better next year. He will be exposed as meh. I’d rather have Canales back than Liam at this point unless all these rumors/stories are bull.
January 25th, 2025 at 2:51 pm
Buchen61, you got a thing for Tom Brady’s ex? Her last name is Bundchen. The two spellings are awfully close. You sound like a nitwit; Gisele Bundchen is not. She made her own millions.
January 25th, 2025 at 2:52 pm
Pixie dust vs poo crumbs – lol.
Tender Muffins rock!!!
January 25th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
Consultation Prize Lovie Bowles
January 25th, 2025 at 8:35 pm
G.G.
Well played!
January 25th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
All your Baker Boi(s) had better hope whoever comes in next is as flexible as Coen was, and actually pays attention to what Baker does well (short passing game, staying alive in the pocket) and doesn’t ask him to do things he’s not good at (being a consistent deep passer).
I know the Baker Boi(s) throw a fit if you ever say there is anything imperfect about their Lord and Savior, but if you get an OC in here who just wants Baker to run their system, regardless of results, there’s going to be a huge regression. Which, BTW, I’m not at all predicting – but the reality is most coaches are too stupid, or too lazy, to make adjustments – and Coen made a ton of adjustments based on injury and ability.
Baker had, by far, his best year last year – and most of that happened after Coen switched up the offense for that Eagles game, mainly due to Sucke being at tackle. But the end result of going to that quick, short passing game, was that the offense took off. That’s not a knock on Baker, I don’t care how you score points so long as you score them – and the next OC needs to be willing to do what Coen did.
The problem though is that Coen not only made adjustments, but called great games. If you listened to other teams podcasts after we played them, every week they were gushing about the Bucs offense in terms of how good the play calling and how their defenses just seemed completely off balance. Again, not a knock on Baker, but opponents didn’t necessarily rave about Baker – they generally thought he looked good – but they raved about the scheme and how modern and effective the offense looked.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:13 pm
Rod
Serious question. “he’s not good at (being a consistent deep passer).”
If you simply keep repeating this over and over and over again ad nauseum will it ever change the statistics that simply don’t back up your “eyeballs”!
Hey it works for Madison Ave why not here. Say something over and over and soon enough it becomes accepted.