Jacksonville. Phila. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars are interviewing Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Quinn for their head coaching job, the latest twist in an undercover operation involving owner Shad Khan. General manager Trent Balk and Coyne are moving forward with reversing course. The Buccaneers.
According to a person familiar with the search, Jiggs may soon become his coach. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither side has confirmed the ongoing meeting.
Khan fired Baalke on Wednesday, clearing a path for Quinn to go to Jacksonville. Coen initially declined an in-person interview with the Jaguars because of Baalke, who has a less-than-ideal reputation in league circles, and Doug, a Super Bowl-winning coach from Khan after his third season with GAGS. Talked about firing Pederson.
Quinn instead agreed to a new contract with Tampa Bay that would have made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid coordinators. But Quinn never showed up to sign the deal Thursday and traveled somewhat secretly to Jacksonville, to meet with Khan, interim general manager Ethan Waugh and others.
The Jaguars could hire him as early as Thursday night.
It became clear on Wednesday that Quinn was the top choice, even amid other interviews with former Las Vegas defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh.
Khan said earlier this month that he wanted a manager who would bring some creativity to Jacksonville, saying that “unpredictability is what I think modern football is all about, and we need that on the field.” It has to be demonstrable.”
Quinn, 39, was the architect of one of Tampa Bay’s most productive offenses in 2024 history. The Buccaneers were third in the NFL in yards (399.6 per game) and fourth in points (29.5), and paired with Quinn could be countless possibilities for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in Jacksonville.
Quinn had little success during his first NFL season in 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams finished last in the league in yards while playing half the season without quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Cooper Kupp. Coen returned to the college ranks (Kentucky) later that year.
But they were so busy this season with quarterback Baker Mayfield and rookie running back Bucky Irving that even some Bucs fans speculated about the team from 61-year-old head coach Todd Bowles and Quinn’s references. What did
Instead, he’s on track to take over in Jacksonville.
Next question: What will Khan’s coach/GM structure look like moving forward? Wow live around? Will Khan bring in an executive vice president?
Regardless, the Jaguars felt like they had a great job available — especially with Ballke out of the picture.
Jacksonville has upside in a young quarterback (Lawrence), a rising star at receiver (Thomas), some defensive building blocks (cornerback Tyson Campbell and pass rushers Trayvon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen), who are relatively new. There is the new practice facility, which is worth $1.4 billion. Stadium renovation forthcoming and hand-off owner with deep pockets.
The JAGS have the fifth overall draft pick in April and about $50 million in salary cap space for 2025, playing in the NFL’s weakest division (AFC South). And work in a state with not enough sun and no income tax. They also went 3-10 in one-score games—an indication that they could be quick fixes.
But Khan is committed to playing at least one home game a year in London — even though that could put the team at a competitive disadvantage — and will play a home game in front of a reduced capacity in 2026 and away to Jacksonville in 2027. will The Jags also have several aging veterans on the roster.
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