After an early playoff exit, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now await the early stages of the offseason. This includes finding out whether or not they will lose any of their current staff to promotions elsewhere.
The big name involved in this topic is of course offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who just finished up his first year in the role. The Bucs' offense finished last season third in yards per game, fourth in points, fourth in rushing and third in passing.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield had himself a career season in 2024 just one year after having his previously-best campaign yet, proving Coen came in and did a masterful job with the offense. Mayfield didn't miss a beat, despite significant injuries at the wide receiver position among others.
Now, Coen is seen as one of the top, up-and-coming offensive names in coaching circles. Some have tossed his name around as a potential head coach during this cycle, but will he end up leaving for a job?
Sports Illustrated's top NFL insider, Albert Breer, highlighted Coen in his latest column and painted a picture of when he might end up getting a head coaching gig.
"I’ve heard Buccaneers OC Liam Coen did well in his lone interview with the Jaguars. He may or may not get that job (it could also go to Johnson or Saleh).
"But my bet is even if he doesn’t get it, he’ll have momentum to land a job at this time next year with another good season," Breer wrote.
Liam Coen should follow the Ben Johnson route before taking a head coaching job
After spending just one season in Tampa Bay, it might be wise for Coen to stick around at least one more season before getting serious about taking a head coaching job.
Looking at Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Coen might find the perfect plan for himself going forward. Johnson became the Lions' offensive coordinator prior to the 2022 season and has spent the last three years engineering one of the NFL's top offenses.
More Bucs news:
Last year, Johnson turned down coaching opportunities to return to Detroit for a third season as their offensive coordinator. Now, he sits atop all coaching candidates as arguably the best one available. He is going to get a job. You can bet on it.
The way Mayfield's career is pointing upward, Coen might do himself a favor by sticking with he and the Bucs in 2025 before putting his name out there among head coaching candidates. The Bucs have a great thing going with Mayfield and some young talent mixed with veterans, offensively.
If Coen is able to stand pat just one more year, while leading the Bucs to yet another strong offensive season in 2025, he might end up being the top candidate come 2026.