Bears To Hire Ben Johnson As Head Coach; Liam Coen Gets Second Interview In Jacksonville
January 20th, 2025
Tampa Bay playcaller Liam Coen.
UPDATED 6:05 p.m. So another NFL head coach opening has been filled, per multiple reports.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is finalizing a deal to become the Bears’ new head coach.
Who cares, Joe? Well, Johnson interviewed for the Jaguars head coach opening and so did Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen. So a Coen path for that gig has one less hurdle.
The Jaguars still have interest in Coen. Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports reported this evening that Coen will have a second interview in Jacksonville this week.
Head coach openings remain for the Cowboys, Jets, Jags, Saints and Raiders. Coen has interviewed only for the Jags gig, per various reports.
Eight candidates other than Coen and Johnson interviewed for the Jags job.
They include Bills playcaller Joe Brady, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Fired former Jets head coach Robert Saleh also has a second interview scheduled this week, per ESPN.
January 20th, 2025 at 5:16 pm
I think it’s now greater than 50/50 that the Jags hire Coen. Sounds like he was their 2nd choice to Johnson.
January 20th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
If Bowles was available no team would be interviewing him unless it was to satisfy the Rooney rule.
January 20th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
Hodad is exactly right nobody would have any interest in Coach Bowles. Terrible decision if the Bucs let Liam Coen out the door.
January 20th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
Happy MLK day without him the NFL would not be a diverse league today!!
January 20th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
Reading responses I thought to myself:
I bet NO fanbase would be excited if their team just hired Bowels as thjeir next HC!
STUCK WITH BOWELS 2025!
January 20th, 2025 at 5:42 pm
Sounds like the “Joes” are getting quite nervous.
Reality is hitting them in the face what the team record might be without Coen to cover up for the wet paper bag pass defense.
As Bowles says, “Just gotta get better”.
28-27
January 20th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
STUCK WITH BOWELS 2025!
——–
LMAO
January 20th, 2025 at 5:50 pm
DC for lions had a second interview for the saints job. Coaches are getting younger and eventually these teams in the nfc south are going to get stronger. With the right coach as you see with the commanders the turnaround can happen fast. Not nfc championship fast but the panthers did become competitive with a mediocre roster.
January 20th, 2025 at 5:53 pm
Hodad … That’s interesting. IDK? Bowles has won a Super Bowl and the NFCS 3x. Players love him. What Saleh accomplished? His teams were chaos as HC. His record is 20-36. He had Aaron Rogers and a lot of talent.
January 20th, 2025 at 5:59 pm
Hodad
Dude and I had some respect for you and now you throw in with the racists?
Sad. That’s the best you can come up with? A CHEAP shot at the color of a mans skin because you haven’t found enough BS to insult him already? Really?
January 20th, 2025 at 6:06 pm
Damn Bowles getting even gets credit for Super Bowl BA was head coach for now? He’s getting credit for a culture set by Bruce credit for winning championships with a Super Bowl roster he was given not one that he had to build. How many head coaches get hired by a team that is already on top? Oh course the players love him he’s been here since 2019 the hell man why would any team hate its coach. BA has a completely different attitude and mentality and they loved him just the same, that is the dumbest thing I ever heard. Yea they love they’re coach surprise yea you should at least pretend if you want to actually see the field
January 20th, 2025 at 6:08 pm
“Head coach openings remain for the Cowboys, Jets, Jags, Saints and Raiders.”
There’s a lineup of enticing jobs…NOT! Cowboys will spend the money but there’s Jerry Jones!!! The Jets have their own JJ with far less actual football knowledge, Nepo Baby Woody Johnson is awash in Johnson and Johnson inheritance cash! So who would consider the Jets except for the desperate! AGAIN perhaps our run BOWLes out of town club, you know those experts can explain how the black man was the ONLY coach to win 10 games with Nepo Baby’s horrid franchise.
So those two are out. Not sure the Jags are much better. The Raiders do not have a QB for the field but they have one behind the scenes to second guess every move a new HC makes.
That leaves the Saints who may be in Cap hell but otherwise are attractive. Not sure Rattler is the QB and I’ve given up on Carr he’s aged past his prime but all those things can be fixed with the Saints front office. They seem supportive and their fan base is excellent.
And oh the bonus…bloggers here have REPEATEDLY screamed how weak the NFC South is and that includes a 3 time Division winning coach who according to some here is soooo bad he only got and keeps his job because of the color of his skin. Can you say DEI, Rooney rule etc?
January 20th, 2025 at 6:10 pm
Bye Liam, years from now after Bowles is gone. Coehn will be a star of HC elsewhere and the Bucs fans that were howling at the moon for franchise to keep him. Will have been right. It’s going to be HUGE MISTAKE by Bucs to let Liam Cohen leave!
January 20th, 2025 at 6:11 pm
Seems like there are a whole lot of guys with much better qualifications than Coen for the Jags job. That is, unless they are all hired by other teams.
Not even worth sweating right now with that more than impressive list ahead of Coen.
January 20th, 2025 at 6:14 pm
Yep… Coen get second interview with Jags!
January 20th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
dang liam is going to shacksonville…
i guess that swampland by the panhandle includes an extra patch of quicksand…
oops no………the quicksand is located in the cozy head coaches office right inside the jags facility…
sink in luxury liam…sink in luxury…no one ever pulls you out in shacksonville…
you just slowly get g0bbled up, until the only thing left of you is a waffle house menu floating on top…and maybe a ball cap
January 20th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
The sooner Coen leaves the quicker Bowles and his garbage defense gets exposed. With Coen gone the stench will be strong.
January 20th, 2025 at 6:20 pm
They are hiring him. Look at the other coaches they brought back for a second. Bowles better start doing his OC homework. Too bad tough one to lose.
January 20th, 2025 at 6:24 pm
He leaves. We looking at you Glazers.
January 20th, 2025 at 6:27 pm
Couldn’t we interview Spagnulo for HC? Liam might even stay as OC. What a pair.
January 20th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Can’t tell whether some of you are football fans or a bunch of little old ladies.
No offense to little old ladies.
January 20th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Bowles defense was exposed a long time ago. Licht’s youth movement won’t work with Bowles because his staff can’t develop ANY position not just edge rush. Bowles needs older veterans to do his staffs work but regardless of what we do in the draft or free agency no reason to expect his defense to miraculously improve after all these years. Stay here Liam there’s a job waiting right here in Tampa Bowles defense will give it away like he does pass completions
January 20th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
I think the writing is on the wall. Jacksonville gets a 39 year old up and comer and we’re stuck with a 62 year old goober. The odds of hitting on another efficient offensive coordinator 3 years in a row have to be low. I keep reading here changes are coming on the defense but so far just crickets.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:08 pm
I’d really wish my 2 previous comments were published but for gawds sake let’s make sure all the Todd can’t do anything right, Liam can do no wrong club 👍🏼
Sigh
January 20th, 2025 at 7:12 pm
Leave Coen, leave.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:14 pm
Everyone relax. Good god.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:15 pm
Side note – must suck to be a lions or ravens fan right now.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:17 pm
I’m a Tampa Native and Bucs fan living in Jacksonville. Coen should not want to come here the city is so behind and the team/fans are in ruins coming here will only hurt his career
January 20th, 2025 at 7:18 pm
Jags have got to hire an offensive minded coach with Lawrence so its between Coen and Brady and Liam has the best resume.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:24 pm
This is NOT the coordinator you are looking for (in best Obi Wan voice)
January 20th, 2025 at 7:26 pm
So who is our new offensive coordinator gonna be? Any suggestions?
January 20th, 2025 at 7:34 pm
Spagnuolo. Most Everyone cried like babies when we dumped Dungy. This is almost a repeat. Bowles isn’t quite Dungy and he isn’t awful, he’s quintessential “Just good enough to get you beat.” The Bowles lovers have their stats. The Bowles haters have their stats. It’s a mind set. Do you prefer prevent defense or no risk it no biscuit? Either choice has equal risk or possible reward. Todd could finally get over the hump with Coen and Licht’s help or he could muddle in proven mediocrity of the turtle mentality. Coen could have the HC chops and continue to spark the offense to a new level and get a DC to push us to the top or flame out like so many others.
This is not an easy choice. Zealots on either side calling the other side fools or worse need a look in the mirror. This is a crap shoot. Personally, I’m on the side of “safe is death” and would rather take the chance of moving on from Bowles. However, anyone who wants to believe in stay the course could be on the right side of this gamble. But at least call it what it is, a gamble either way.
GO BUCS!!!
January 20th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Bowles will be HC-DC-OC
January 20th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
I was just thinking that would be a more interesting conversation to have.
IF Liam leaves, and the Earth isn’t plunged into darkness like some of you fear, I wonder who might be worth a look?
January 20th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Joe did any of the other guys besides Saleh and Coen get a second interview?
January 20th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Might as well start putting together the candidate list for our next OC. Who else has had a cup of coffee with Sean McVay?
January 20th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
I wouldn’t go to the Jags. Coen has another great year he could be looking at Bengals or Giants openings. Burrow or Archie Manning sweepstakes if they really do pass QB and look to tank for top pick next year. That would be doing Daboll and Schoen super dirty but I understand the strategy if you aren’t a Ward or Sanders fan. I would imagine being the Giants and snagging another Manning is an ideal scenario when looking for next franchise QB.
His parents live in Jax though? How many kids does he have? That could be a big pull.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:41 pm
Looks like we will have another one and done offensive coordinator for the Bucs again this year. Can’t imagine them hitting on another offensive coordinator again next year. The bad part is the offense will be learning another system which we all know takes until at least mid season for everyone to get on the same page.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:42 pm
So there is a big chance we will change drastically our top 5 Offense and we will keep our bottom 5 Defense…….
Great, everything is fine. Well done. Everything is fine. No worries. We are fine.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:42 pm
Speaking of the rooney rule the Pats interviewed Byron leftwich for the HC job before hiring vrable I just read. Never in a million.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Hodad, if you’re trying to tick off a substantial number of readers here you’re doing a pretty good job of it. There really should be no place for comments like you just made. Maybe there are some things you should keep to yourself.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:46 pm
@gotbbucs Says:
“Who else has had a cup of coffee with Sean McVay?”
Lol – Pretty true 🙂
January 20th, 2025 at 7:46 pm
I believe the offense can coast on momentum one year over year, but will probably not continue to innovate and improve. The defense will still be bad. Maybe we’ll get a new HC in 3 years when the wheels totally fall off.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:47 pm
@Chris I live in Jax too this city is light years behind Tampa Orlando and Miami is almost like living in a Time Machine, not to mention it’s a bad situation to walk into franchise wise
January 20th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
Everyone in here has such a short memory span. Yes Bowles has faults and so do I and all of you. Are we forgetting how we won the superbowl vs. the Chiefs? It wasn’t Bruce or Byron’s offense, it was Bowles defense. Yes our defense needs to step up because if we do…. look out!!! We had lots of injuries and we still have more work to do. We are on the right track and we have to continue to grow! But Bowles is not the issue. People always want more, it is in our nature. Be a better fan and support our players and coaches. No body is going to your job telling your boss to fire you?! Just saying. #look@watCommandersdidto#1seedLions
January 20th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
Badbucs,
I agree with most that you said.
We dont know what Coen will be as HC, he may be good he may be bad.
But we pretty much know coach Bowles.
Do you expect to see major changes to our Defense? Coaching or scheme?
I dont. Honestly I am tired watching our coverage sitting 10yds off on 90% of the plays.
We saw something good from the Offense this season. Yes they made mistakes that cost us sometimes but we saw good things and development.
For me its coming down to this, like i said in a previous comment.
We had a top 5 Offense
We had a bottom 5 Defense.
If you ask me what I want to keep and what I want to change I would prefer to keep the top 5 Offense. Again we cant possibly know what Coen will be as a HC, it is unknown. But I prefer to keep the side that is top 5 instead of the bottom 5.
Go Bucs
January 20th, 2025 at 7:59 pm
@Oneilbuc
I can’t tell whether you’re kidding or an angry, miserable old racist.
I know you’re not a Baker fan from previous posts but do you think maybe we should have a Caucasian league – Lol? Or does your racism only apply to coaches, not players?
January 20th, 2025 at 8:15 pm
If he gets the job, just give Thaddeus Lewis his shot. He was an assistant wide receivers coach for two years and has been Baker’s quarterback coach for the last two years, so he definitely knows the system, as well as Baker. Both Baker and Bowles would likely be comfortable with him. If Bowles is gone after next year, it’s likely that his coordinators will be too, and we’ll be bringing in a new coach anyway. If not, we’ll know that Bowles promoted a coach from within who either turned into a great offensive coordinator or he personally fixed the defense. Either way, it would mean playoffs minimum and potentially a Super Bowl. If Bowles doesn’t win at least one playoff game next year, he’s likely gone.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:16 pm
Nick R
Are we forgetting how we won the superbowl vs. the Chiefs? It wasn’t Bruce or Byron’s offense, it was Bowles defense.
Uh Bowles defense scored 31 points? Did you watch that game? Did you not see Bowles rush 4 most of the game because the tackles were out and the qb was injured running for his life the whole game? From that team we swapped Zyon for Davis and missing a linebacker and our edge rushers are getting home. Every couple years I guess we have to revamp the defense. This is the issue with Bowles and free agent edge rushers. Trade for Myles Garrett and get a couple good years like you did Shaq then what more free agents? The coaches have to develop players these guys don’t last as long as quarterbacks
January 20th, 2025 at 8:17 pm
I don’t know anything about the plan to man the roster next year but it seems from the outside looking in that 2 things should happen if you want to continue building a winning team and that is don’t let your debatable best receiver go, Godwin. Without Chris this year we would march down the field and be on the 10 or 20 yard line in 6 plays ready to score. With Chris there were times it would be 4 & 5 plays. Fans love that stuff. Please don’t let him go!!! He revs that offense up!! And the best OC you have had in a while, keep him 1 more year for continuity. But like I said, outside looking in. Good luck
January 20th, 2025 at 8:18 pm
I have a lot more respect for Todd Moncken than Liam Coen. Moncken has proven himself over multiple seasons with different teams.
Liam has proven himself at UK and ONE YEAR with the Bucs.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Gone Gator. Now what’s crazy is when the 4th of July comes every one responds happy 4th of July and it’s not a problem or racist. Even though my people were slaves and it wasn’t a independence day for us. But when I bring up MLK and what he done in this country to make change you have a problem with it lol . I remember when they said black quarterbacks wasn’t smart enough to play quarterback. Warren Moon had to go to Canada to prove himself and he’s a hall of famer. Moon should have been the number 1 over all pick that year. How about Douge Williams and why he didn’t get a second contract in Tampa? Oh I know why because of people like you who hates change. And as far as Baker Mayfield goes I think he played good this year I’m just not a Baker fan boy like you are I’m a bucs fan. You still mad about the civil war I guess! Lol 🤣
January 20th, 2025 at 8:21 pm
He’s not gone yet. Don’t lose sleep. Everybody’s making their brain hurt.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:24 pm
Can we PLEASE stop accusing people here in the forum of racism.
If a remark crosses the line I’m sure the Joe’s will take care of it. Once we start down that road it will never end. Please take a moment before posting and consider your words. Seriously guys none of us want this to devolve.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:24 pm
Hodad Says:
January 20th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
If Bowles was available no team would be interviewing him unless it was to satisfy the Rooney
===========≈========≈==========
You are dead wrong sir.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:31 pm
Not good
January 20th, 2025 at 8:41 pm
Egbuka round 1, Sawyer round 2! Players and fills needs.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
Perhaps Carberry will stay if Coen jumps. It’s a long shot since most travel with their mentor. I think Carberry was instrumental in the O-line turnaround.
Bowles will need all the continuity he can get.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:01 pm
Not a bad gig either inheriting a top 5 offense. Could attract some pretty good up and comers for OC.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:23 pm
Can Joe find out if the Glazers are ponying up to try and keep Cohen or are they just letting it play out?
January 20th, 2025 at 9:26 pm
Hopefully, the Glazers are on top of this situation. They should offer Liam a huge raise as OC if he’s offered a HC job or Bucs need to start looking for another McVay disciple. Bowles should be on a short leash and Glazer should demand he fire some defensive coaches.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:28 pm
Shefter: “former Raiders DC Patrick Graham, former Jets HC Robert Saleh and Buccaneers OC Liam Coen this week for in-person second interviews.”
So he’s one of three
January 20th, 2025 at 9:31 pm
There is no way the Glazers and Jason let Coen leave, unless it has to be a head coaching job now and the Jags look promising to him. Everyone not psychotic knows Bowles is on the unemployment line right now without Coen. The few zealots need to dial it back and eat some gummies.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:34 pm
Everybody comes here to talk football but mentioning the Rooney rule makes you seem really petty. I can’t think of anyone who dislikes Bowles more than me but that’s a low blow even for him. Besides I don’t care if he’s a head coach as long as it’s not here.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:52 pm
Gut check time Glazer Babies
Keep Bowles and let Coen get away and you’re basically endorsing wasting the second best QB we’ve ever had and giving up any chance of winning the Suoer Bowl next few years. But hey if you don’t care why should us Bucs fans? Let’s be honest you got lucky with the Brady hire and he and his friends carried the team to the Super Bowl, not the players you drafted. Bowles is a year or two from retirement anyway, the game has left him behind and he makes mistakes calling plays and situational time outs like a high school coach. The most invested part of your fan base hangs in the balance
January 20th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
If the Bucs pulled off this draft I would say Super Bowl next year.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:57 pm
These guys were always big Cohen fans. Oh that’s right they had no idea who he was before Todd hired him. Lots of really good OCs are terrible HCs. He might be but to assume he’s better HC than Bowles is risky at best.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
actually todd monken here in tampa also has a nice ring to it…
if things go sideways with bowles and coen
January 20th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
F-you Jagoffs.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:05 pm
Stay in Tampa Liam…..great things coming next year
January 20th, 2025 at 10:26 pm
The ReTodd is not a good HC therefore it would be worth the risk.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:43 pm
If they let Liam coem go ,I’m done with the bucs ! Done with the glazers because they just proved there not out to win it . I don’t need to live through another hue culverhouse years . Not caring about winning !
January 20th, 2025 at 11:37 pm
Keep Coen at all costs! Based on how good the offense was the first year better things are to come. Make him assistant head coach, promise him the job when Todd retires and give him a big raise to stay. If necessary fire Bowles. He is a mediocre coach at best with his soft a$$ pass defense. Must keep Liam!!!
January 20th, 2025 at 11:40 pm
Also must resign Chris Godwin!!!
Joe,
How about a story on how his recovery is going?
January 20th, 2025 at 11:52 pm
See you Les don’t let the door hit ya. Guess you can be a Jacksonville fan now.
January 20th, 2025 at 11:54 pm
Everyone on that list has better credentials with the exception of perhaps Kellen Moore. But I did hear he aced the initial interview. However, if he takes the Long view, he passes over a job offer for one more year here and better openings next year. We shall see.
January 21st, 2025 at 12:20 am
Todd has hired 2 pretty good OC’s. Wasn’t he the one that saw Bakers talent when no one else did. That says something about his abilities. He does seem to lack in some areas but shines in others🤔
January 21st, 2025 at 1:44 am
Did Todd Monken ever get a head coaching gig? Ever?
January 21st, 2025 at 4:29 am
Not sure what your point is Bonzai. Todd Monken is an a very good candidate
with far more experience than Cohen. At any rate Cohen has a lot of good offensive players here that he would not have there.
January 21st, 2025 at 4:33 am
I am surprised because I thought that Monken would be hired by the Bears. The “coach carousel” is getting more and more interesting.