New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen speaks as Jaguars owner Shad Khan looks on during a press conference Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Liam Coen: Jaguars will rely on Trevor Lawrence, toughness

With a strange hiring process and the obligatory introductory news conference behind him, Liam Coen officially begins his job Tuesday as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars with clear missions in mind: creating a winning culture built on aggressive play and designing a top-flight offense around quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

“How do we make Trevor Lawrence and this offense as dynamic and explosive as we can be? We’ve got to build it around him, we’ve got to make every part of this about improvement, and he will be a part of that process,” Coen told reporters Monday in his news conference. “He’s earned that right. I cannot respect his toughness and mentality and work ethic more than I do already from afar. This will all be about Trevor.”

And Jaguars fans must hope Coen and Lawrence can build a coach-quarterback relationship that the latter has been lacking since Jacksonville made him the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He’s played under three head coaches — Urban Meyer, interim Darrell Bevell and Doug Pederson — in four campaigns in which the Jaguars have gone 25-43 in the regular season.

Pederson was fired following a 4-13 season in which injuries limited Lawrence to 10 games.

But to Coen, success starts with the offense, and he said Monday he’ll call the plays for Jacksonville.

Coen, 39, comes to the head coach role with one season as an NFL offensive coordinator under his belt with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024) and another with the Los Angeles Rams (2022).

He is credited with turning the Baker Mayfield-led offense into a juggernaut last season with the Bucs, who finished third in the NFL in yards per game (399.5) and fourth in points (29.5). The previous season, the Buccaneers were 23rd and 20th in the league, respectively.

After the news conference, Coen huddled with local reporters and told them he intends to install a new mindset in his players on both sides of the ball.

“I want savages. We want to be savages,” Coen said, per The Florida Times-Union. “That physical mindset. When our opponents turn on the tape, what are they looking at? Are they seeing guys playing through the echo of the whistle?”

Off the field, he wants to create a united group.

“I heard guys that are yearning for more,” he said. “More culture, more unity, more communication, just everybody being on the same page. A true, aligned vision, and for everybody to be able to tell each other some hard truths in ways and see each other’s blind spots and communicate those because that’s where the growth occurs.”

He told reporters he also plans to create individual goals for each player, identifying areas on which to build.

“They want more responsibility on both sides of the balls, but with a clear vision,” Coen said. “They want to be able to be coached hard, but understand that it’s coming from the right place, and there’s a trust and an honesty there. Because that’s what we’re going to do.”

The Jaguars hired Coen on Friday, two days after he reportedly withdrew his name from consideration for the job.

Coen initially was set to remain with the Buccaneers on a new contract that the Tampa Bay Times said would have made him the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL at $4.5 million per year.

The Jaguars parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke on Wednesday, and several hours later, Coen left the Buccaneers for the Jaguars for a five-year deal the Times said is worth nearly $60 million.

He addressed his rather awkward departure on Monday after the news conference.

“At the end of the day? It came down to business,” Coen told the Times. “It did. It came down to family and business and a dream that was right in front of you.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) in the second quarter in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence, Evan Engram undergo surgeries

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and tight end Evan Engram each had shoulder surgery this week and are expected to be ready for offseason activities in the spring.

“Everything was positive in both players cases, and just now looking forward to recovery time,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson told reporters Wednesday.

Engram underwent surgery Monday to repair a torn labrum while Lawrence had his surgery Tuesday to repair an AC sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. Lawrence had surgery on the same shoulder in February 2021.

Lawrence had to first clear the concussion protocol before he could have the surgery, which he did on Sunday. That was exactly two weeks after he took an illegal and violent hit to the head and neck area from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was suspended three games for the hit.

The Jaguars placed Lawrence on injured reserve on Dec. 4. Engram went on IR last Saturday.

“In both cases they’re not long-term, lengthy-type surgeries recovery time,” Pederson said. “So, at some point this spring they’ll be ready to go.”

Lawrence, 25, finished with 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 starts this season. He has thrown for 13,815 yards, 69 TDs and 46 INTs since being selected No. 1 overall by the Jaguars in the 2021 draft out of Clemson.

Engram, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, finishes the season with 47 catches for 365 yards and one TD in nine starts.

Engram has 496 receptions for 4,922 yards and 25 touchdowns in 108 games (89 starts) with the New York Giants (2017-21) and Jaguars.

The 2017 first-round pick (23rd overall) signed a three-year, $41.25 million deal with Jacksonville in July 2023.

The Jags (3-11) play at Las Vegas (2-12) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) in the second quarter in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Jaguars place QB Trevor Lawrence (concussion) on IR

The Jacksonville Jaguars placed quarterback Trevor Lawrence (concussion) on injured reserve Wednesday, likely ending his season after a vicious illegal hit in last week’s loss to the Houston Texans.

Lawrence, slammed in the head and neck by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after giving himself up, would be eligible to return Week 18. However, the 2-10 Jags are already eliminated from playoff contention.

Mac Jones will start for the Jags this week against the Tennessee Titans.

Al-Shaair, meanwhile, was suspended three games by the NFL on Tuesday.

Lawrence, 25, has thrown for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 starts this season. He also missed time with a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury.

Lawrence was carrying the ball and went into a feet-first slide at Houston’s 45-yard line during the second quarter of Sunday’s game. Al-Shaair launched into him and delivered a forearm shot near the quarterback’s head and shoulder.

Multiple skirmishes erupted as Lawrence lay prone on the field. Al-Shaair was ejected, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones.

Lawrence immediately displayed the hand motion known as the fencing posture that is associated with traumatic brain injury. However, he was able to stand after being attended to briefly, and he sat up while being taken to the locker room on a cart.

Al-Shaair took to social media Monday to apologize but the NFL was unmoved, announcing the three-game suspension on Tuesday. He is appealing.

Al-Shaair, 27, is a repeat offender this season, having just been fined $11,255 for a late hit on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard last week. He was also fined $11,817 for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson in a Week 2 game. That came after a sideline skirmish that began after Al-Shaair hit Bears quarterback Caleb Williams late out of bounds but wasn’t flagged.

Lawrence has thrown for 13,815 yards, 69 TDs and 46 INTs since being selected No. 1 overall by the Jags in the 2021 draft out of Clemson.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) in the second quarter in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair suspended 3 games for hit on Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended three games by the NFL on Tuesday after his hit on Trevor Lawrence resulted in the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback being carted off the field.

The NFL cited in its statement that Al-Shaair’s “repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship” were considered in the suspension.

ESPN reported that Al-Shaair plans to appeal the suspension.

The Texans (8-5), who are on their bye in Week 14, will host the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15, visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 21 and host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. Al-Shaair currently would be eligible to return to action for the team’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

Lawrence was carrying the ball and went into a feet-first slide at Houston’s 45-yard line during the second quarter of Sunday’s game. Al-Shaair, 27, launched into him and delivered a forearm shot near the quarterback’s head and shoulder.

Multiple skirmishes erupted as Lawrence lay prone on the field. Al-Shaair was ejected, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, while multiple penalties offset.

Lawrence immediately displayed the hand motion known as fencing that is associated with traumatic brain injury. However, he was able to stand after being attended to briefly and he sat up while being taken to the locker room on a cart.

“You were involved in a play that the (NFL) considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules,” Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, wrote in his explanation to Al-Shaair. “Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide. … You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.”

Runyan didn’t stop there.

“(Al-Shaair) proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask.” Runyan added that after being ejected, Al-Shaair removed his helmet and “re-engaged with your opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation near the end zone.”

Al-Shaair, 27, was flagged and later fined $11,255 last week for a late hit out of bounds on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard. He also was fined $11,817 earlier this season after he punched Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline.

“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL,” Runyan wrote. “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.”

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) warms up before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jags’ Trevor Lawrence (head) carted off; ejections follow

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted from the field in the second quarter of Sunday’s home game after a brutal hit by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

Lawrence, who was returning from a Week 9 injury to his non-throwing shoulder. was ruled out for the game with a head injury.

With 4:06 left in the first half, Lawrence was carrying the ball and went into a feet-first slide at Houston’s 45-yard line when Al-Shaair launched into him, delivering a forearm shot near the quarterback’s head and shoulder.

Multiple skirmishes erupted as Lawrence lay prone on the field. Al-Shaair was ejected, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, while multiple penalties offset.

Lawrence immediately displayed the hand motion known as fencing that is associated with suffering a concussion. However, he was able to stand after being attended to briefly and sat up while being taken to the locker room on a cart.

Lawrence was 4-for-10 passing for 41 yards and an interception. Mac Jones, who started the last two games while Lawrence was out, took over at QB.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jags QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) returns to practice

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was scheduled to practice on Monday as the Jacksonville Jaguars returned from their bye week.

Lawrence, 25, missed the last two games for the Jaguars (2-9) with an AC joint injury in his left shoulder.

Coach Doug Pederson said the team will make a decision later in the week about his availability for Sunday’s date with the visiting Houston Texans (7-5).

Mac Jones started in Lawrence’s absence, completing a combined 31 of 51 passes for just 249 yards with zero touchdown passes and three interceptions in losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.

Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,004 yards, 11 TDs and six picks in nine starts this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 16, 2024; Watford, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and quarterback Mac Jones (10) during practice at The Grove. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence out, Mac Jones in vs. Lions

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been ruled out for the team’s second straight game due to an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

Mac Jones, who was acquired by Jacksonville via trade in March, will start for the Jaguars (2-8) in Sunday’s game against the host Detroit Lions. Jacksonville will head into its bye following the game.

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said that it made sense for the team to give Lawrence additional rest with the bye on the horizon.

As for Lawrence’s possible return to action after the bye?

“It’s still a question mark but I’m optimistic,” Pederson said.

Lawrence, 25, missed the second game of his NFL career last Sunday.

Jones, 26, completed 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards and two interceptions as the Jaguars dropped their third straight decision with a 12-7 setback versus the Minnesota Vikings.

“He’s excited to have another opportunity,” Pederson said. “Obviously another chance for him to rebound from last week. As a team, same (thing). (We’ll) rally around him and support him and get ready to play a really good football team.”

Jones has thrown for 139 yards and two picks in three games this season and completed 66.0 percent of his passes with 46 touchdowns and 38 interceptions in 45 career games with New England and Jacksonville. He was selected by the Patriots with the 15th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Lawrence sustained the injury in the second quarter of Jacksonville’s 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 3. He finished the game, however, and completed 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards and two interceptions.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions through nine starts in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence to sit out vs. Vikings

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to sit out Sunday’s game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings as he deals with an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, multiple media outlets reported.

NFL Network reported that rest and rehab appear to be the plan of the Jaguars (2-7) for Lawrence. However, surgery remains an option Lawrence and the Jaguars will consider.

Mac Jones, who was acquired by Jacksonville via trade in March, will start Sunday’s game versus the Vikings (6-2).

Lawrence, 25, would miss the second game of his NFL career.

He sustained the injury in the second quarter of Jacksonville’s 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. He finished the game, however, and completed 16 of 31 passes for 169 yards and two interceptions.

Jones became party to a controversy when current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was fired by the Dolphins. According to former NFL executive Michael Lombardi, Flores told his then-starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that Miami should’ve drafted Jones instead. As the starting quarterback of the Patriots, Jones lost to Flores and the Dolphins twice in 2021.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions through nine starts in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Report: Jags QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) doubtful

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to play Sunday against the visiting Minnesota Vikings due to a shoulder injury, NFL Network reported Thursday.

Lawrence, 25, is considered day-to-day as he continues to get treatment on his left shoulder, per the report. He is said to be weighing his options, which could include surgery down the road.

Lawrence was limited in Wednesday’s practice, with coach Doug Pederson saying his signal-caller is “sore.” He was listed on the injury report hours later with a left shoulder injury.

Asked whether Lawrence would be on the field Sunday for the Jaguars (2-7) against the Vikings (6-2), Pederson said he “can’t answer that today.”

On Wednesday, backup Mac Jones worked with the first-team offense and Jacksonville signed C.J. Beathard off the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions through nine starts in 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) scores a touchdown  past Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence limited, Week 10 status unclear

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was limited in Wednesday’s practice and his status for Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings is unclear.

Head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence is “sore” with an “upper-body injury,” that is specifically a left shoulder issue according to multiple reports.

The Jaguars (2-7) are at home Sunday to face the Minnesota Vikings (6-2), but Pederson could not promise Lawrence will be on the field.

“Can’t answer that,” he said. “Can’t answer that today, not sitting here Wednesday.”

Backup Mac Jones worked with the first-team offense on Wednesday.

Lawrence has 11 touchdowns and six interceptions this season. His injury came to light on the same day Jacksonville signed C.J. Beathard off of the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Beathard was cut by Jacksonville at the end of training camp with an injury settlement. He spent the 2021-23 seasons as the No. 2 quarterback behind Lawrence.

Beathard, 30, has appeared in 32 NFL games since San Francisco selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has a 3-10 record as a starter with the 49ers and Jaguars (2021-23) and has completed 60.4 percent of his pass attempts for 3,886 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

–Field Level Media