JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thirteen wins. The Jaguars finish the regular season with 13 wins! This isn’t a game column. This isn’t a season wrap column. This is a sales pitch for Liam Coen to win the NFL Coach of the Year.
The job that Coen has done to lead the Jags to this point has been nothing short of a small miracle.
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The 13 wins are the second-most in a season in franchise history. The number is impressive, but look at the journey.
The Jags played the majority of the season without their shiny new draft pick, Travis Hunter. Brian Thomas Jr. struggled heavily to start the season. Travon Walker has been banged up. The offensive line has had players miss games at all five spots. Plus, players who were on the roster bubble or written off have been starting and playing huge roles for the team. Look no further than Parker Washington, Buster Brown, and Antonio Johnson. Those guys are all playing the best football of their careers.
Somehow, through all of this and leaning on guys that only the hardest of hardcore fans knew before the season, the Jags have locked up 13 wins.
What was the difference? Coaching.
Sometimes things are just that simple.
This wasn’t a complete teardown. There are a ton of new faces, but largely this is the same roster that was on the field last year. But this time they are winning.
Coen has led one of the biggest turnarounds in league history. But the national media will tell you about Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel. No shade because Johnson and Vrabel have both coached great seasons for their teams ... but the same national media loved to talk about how Trevor Lawrence was a “bust” or “overrated.”
Well, well, well, look at how quickly that has changed. They’re all jumping on the No. 16 bandwagon.
So, let me get this straight.
Coen took over a team with a QB who was called a “bust” and has him playing at an MVP level. He took over a team that won four games last year and led them to 13 wins. He did it with the only player on the roster in the NFL Top 100 list playing poorly. His top draft pick missed most of the season. He has guys who were just guys before playing like superstars now.
But that isn’t Coach of the Year worthy?
Give me a break. Small market or not, the resume is the resume, and that is an award-winning resume for Coen.
Look, I’m well aware the NFL at large doesn’t care. The respect isn’t coming, and the award isn’t either.
But Duuuval, just know the Jags have got their guy, and this might be the new normal.