Bucs fans, you no longer have to worry.

After it was recently reported that he would meet with the Jaguars for a second head-coaching interview, offensive coordinator Liam Coen is dropping out of the race and staying with Tampa Bay on a new deal that will make him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday morning.

Liam Coen Shockingly Drops Out Of HC Race

Bucs OC Liam Coen – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR

Viewed as the top candidate for the Jaguars’ head-coaching job, Liam Coen dropping out of consideration is nothing short of a shocking twist.

Coen’s work with the Bucs has not gone unnoticed this year and Jacksonville was intrigued with what he did taking quarterback Baker Mayfield’s game to another level while also revitalizing the run game and offensive line.

Under him, Tampa Bay was the fourth-highest-scoring offense averaging 29.5 points per game, while also reaching other unprecedented marks in team history.

Here were each of the single-season offensive franchise records set this year:

• Completion Percentage (71.5%)
• Passer Rating (106.8)
• Yards Per Rush (5.3)
• Rushing First Downs (137)
• Rushing Yards (2,536)
• Third-Down Conversion Rate (50.9%)
• Third-Down Conversions (110)

After doing all of this over a year, Coen put himself on a fast track to becoming an NFL head coach. Offensive-minded and just 39 years old, he fits the archetype that has taken over the league with Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Kevin O’Connell, and others leading their teams to newfound success over the last half-decade. After the Bears hired Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, it seemed as if the Jaguars had zeroed in on the former McVay protege as their guy.

With quarterback Trevor Lawrence locked in on a long-term contract and an impressive cast of weapons around him led by rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., it made sense that they would pursue someone who could unlock Lawrence’s potential. Nevertheless, it has failed to come to pass, as Coen becomes the second offensive coordinator to turn down Jacksonville’s overtures after Byron Leftwich did the same in the 2021 offseason.

Retaining Liam Coen is HUGE For Baker Mayfield And The Bucs’ Offense

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

How does this affect the Bucs?

It comes as little surprise that the Glazers were happy to open the checkbook to pay Liam Coen whatever he wanted to keep him. Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds accurately detailed during the season that Coen would not be going anywhere, and that is indeed the case.

What that means going forward is that the Bucs’ offense will have continuity at the top. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has lacked that throughout his career, and he and the rest of the players will not have to learn a fourth offense in as many years. That should bode well in building on a record-setting year and for player development.

If Coen left, it would have put them in a less-than-favorable spot as other top assistant coaches would have likely departed with him. Now, everyone within the building can have certainty and stability.

After having his most productive and efficient season, Mayfield has the chance to do more of the same in a system catered to his play style. He had never-before-seen efficiency completing passes, and his counting numbers put his name among the best quarterbacks in the league. The running game was better than anyone expected, with rookie running back Bucky Irving leading the way. It wasn’t just Irving who contributed to its success, however.

Bucs OC Liam Coen and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Coen brought offensive line coach Kevin Carberry with him to Tampa Bay, which helped them become one of the league’s best groups. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs solidified himself in a new spot and was a first-team All-Pro, center Graham Barton had promising moments, while the right side of the offensive line saw right guard Cody Mauch and right tackle Luke Goedeke improve and make strides.

At wide receiver, the play-caller made do with what he had at times, especially after Mike Evans and Chris Godwin went down with injuries midseason. The offense kept chugging along as they only had one game all season where they scored less than 20 points. He still dialed up ways to keep the ball moving utilizing each of the team’s players.

The Bucs no longer have to worry about losing Liam Coen, which is truly the best outcome for the organization. That pushes the talk of Coen becoming a head coach until next season, and in the meantime, it allows him to build something special with head coach Todd Bowles.