The way forward for Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen has been a scorching matter in Tampa Bay and throughout the NFL. It isn’t a shock with the best way his offense has performed this season. The Bucs rank within the high 5 in most offensive classes, and Coen has directed a unit that has performed effectively from high to backside.
Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds has written loads in regards to the league taking discover of the following up-and-coming playcaller and about a few groups that will pursue him this offseason. Coen has the group’s playoff push on his thoughts proper now, however he shared on Thursday that being an NFL head coach is his final purpose.
Bucs OC Liam Coen Thinks The Head Teaching Speak “Can Wait A Long Time”
Bucs OC Liam Coen and HC Todd Bowles – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Liam Coen is having enjoyable conducting the Bucs’ offense this season. With quarterback Baker Mayfield operating Coen’s offense, the group has averaged 29.7 factors a sport.
All components of the offensive machine have been on the identical web page, between Mayfield having a profession 12 months, Tampa Bay’s offensive line making his life simpler, and the run sport reaching one other degree led by rookie operating again Bucky Irving.
After a four-game shedding streak as soon as had the group on the surface trying in when it comes to the NFC playoff image, a win in opposition to the Saints this Sunday would have them within the playoffs – and the offense’s success is essentially what has gotten them so far.
Coen has shortly constructed a resume that makes him a powerful NFL head teaching candidate for each open emptiness, however he has not had a lot time to think about it. Between his present job obligations and being a dad off the sphere, his important focus has remained on the duty at hand.
“Last week when we go out onto the field and you play that game… we were hoping our guys would come out and play the way they did,” Coen mentioned. “We come off the Dallas game, everybody is not thrilled. You go out and do that, that was one of the best Sundays I’ve had in a long time, man. I wasn’t thinking about anything else besides this. Really, at the end of the day, that stuff can wait a long time. If it’s the right thing and for us to keep moving forward doing the right things, we can wait a long time on that one.”
Being An NFL Head Coach Is “Absolutely” Liam Coen’s Objective
Liam Coen doesn’t have to rush into any accessible NFL head teaching gig. At solely 39 years outdated, Coen has loads of time to attend for the proper spot and the proper time earlier than taking over the added obligations of not simply main an offense, however a complete group.
Take, for example, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Lions OC Ben Johnson – Photograph by: USA In the present day
Johnson, 38, has had loads of alternatives to go away Detroit to turn out to be a head coach. Over this previous offseason, he was rumored to be the Commanders’ No. 1 choice to fill their open place. But he declined to take that spot and different choices to stay beneath head coach Dan Campbell and watch for the perfect state of affairs to come back about.
Coen can do the identical, and the perfect state of affairs for him might imply staying in Tampa Bay.
Ought to the Bucs win on Sunday and make the playoffs, head coach Todd Bowles is extra doubtless than to not stick round until they get blown out within the Tremendous Wild Card spherical. It will be extremely unlikely that Tampa Bay would hearth Bowles if he leads the group to a 10-7 season and a playoff berth, particularly in the event that they go on a deep postseason run. At 61 years outdated, he has gone on document saying that he wouldn’t like to teach for much longer than just a few years, and one would count on him to retire at that time.
Would the group’s hotshot offensive coordinator be prepared to attend for the chance to succeed Bowles? Coen is prepared for the prospect, however he’s additionally having the time of his life in Tampa Bay.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and OC Liam Coen – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Yeah, I do believe I’m ready to do so,” Coen mentioned about his readiness to be an NFL head coach. “I don’t suppose you’re ever really totally prepared however yeah, that could be a dream. Does that have to occur after I’m 39 years outdated and having most likely probably the most enjoyable of my life teaching, working and being right here?
“No, that doesn’t mean that needs to occur right now but yeah, that is the goal. That is absolutely the goal, but like I said before, that goal can hold off for a while here and continue to do what we’re doing. That would be pretty special.”
There can be loads of time to debate Liam Coen’s future with the Bucs, however he has made it clear that he desires to be an NFL head coach in some unspecified time in the future. Will that expedite the clock on Todd Bowles’ time in Tampa Bay? That is still to be seen, however after seeing Dave Canales bolt to the Panthers within the offseason, the group can not afford for Coen to do the identical.