Even as the dust settles, the anger Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have toward former offensive coordinator Liam Coen has not subsided one degree. Seeing him at the NFL Combine is sure to stir up emotions for Bucs fans who are upset the offensive wunderkind snuck out of town udner cover of darkness.
Coen, who helped Baker Mayfield throw 41 touchdown passes last season, decided to take the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching job just one day after seemingly agreeing to a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid coordinators in the league with the Bucs.
The NFL's newest Benedict Arnold took the stand at the NFL Combine to discuss what has happened in his career during the last few months, and some Bucs fans may not be thrilled with the language he used.
What did Coen say was the biggest thing he learned during his final season with Tampa Bay? Learning to pivot. Perhaps he means pivoting off staying in Tampa Bay and having your pick of any coaching job you want in 2026 and instead taking a job with dysfunctional Jacksonville? Is this some slight shade?
Lian Coen shades Buccaneers with "pivot" comments at NFL Combine
New Jags HC Liam Coen's biggest learning experience from last season in Tampa Bay:
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 25, 2025
You have to be able to pivot pic.twitter.com/ufsBkh0mRA
Coen is going to a team that only fired their GM because of public outcry and has been among the dregs of the league despite some worthwhile pieces to get excited about on the offensive side of the ball. Much like Ben Johnson, Coen could have turned down jobs this cycle and been the belle of the ball next year.
Tampa Bay now has to get Mayfield situated with a third offensive coordinator in three seasons. While staying internal and promoting passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard to OC could keep the scheme intact, his lack of experience could be enough to derail the success Tampa had last year.
With the Falcons having stumbled backward into a franchise quarterback, the Saints looking more competent after the savvy Kellen Moore hire, and the Panthers starting to get some life late in the season, the Bucs won't be able to waltz through the division at half-speed and still compete for a division title.
Losing Coen is sure to sting, especially if the nightmare scenario happens and the Jaguars end up catching fire. Should the Bucs struggle in 2025, which could mean the end of the Todd Bowles era, Coen leaving them at the alter will sting this fanbase to an incomparable fury.