The twists and turns that have defined the Jaguars search process appear to be coming to a close, as the organization is set to complete a pivot that has led them to Liam Coen as their new head coach.
Word of the hire began to break late last night.
This story really starts a few weeks ago, as owner Shad Khan decided to part ways with Doug Pederson after three seasons, but opted to keep GM Trent Baalke in place.
NFL analysts across the board questioned that decision, noting how difficult it would make their search for a new head coach, and how keeping an embattled GM in place would limit the candidate pool.
After a total of ten interviews, Jacksonville had Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson atop their list (he's since became the head coach of the Bears), but Baalke as GM was a non-starter for him
No surprise there.
Preferring an offensive guy, while also having initial conversations with Robert Saleh (Jets former HC) and Patrick Graham (Raiders DC), the Jaguars pivoted to Liam Coen, but he reportedly shared the same concern.
Not wanting to replace another coordinator, and realizing the value they had in Coen staying in-house, the Bucs offered Coen a contract extension that would have made him the highest paid assistant in NFL history, and Coen agreed to the deal.
However, that deal was reportedly contingent on Coen not taking a second interview in Jacksonville.
So, Coen pulled himself from consideration to become the Jaguars new head coach, and Tampa Bay Bucs fans (and Baker Mayfield) celebrated the decision. At that point, odds shifted to Robert Saleh being the choice.
But just a few hours later, the Jaguars threw a wrench into it all and owner Shad Khan decided to fire GM Trent Baalke.
Khan and Jaguars decision makers then circled back to make another run at Coen, asking him to reconsider after showing Baalke the door.
After reports of Tampa's front office were unable to reach Coen, it turns out Coen was in Jacksonville yesterday. Turns out, Coen was in town for that second interview.
Overnight, Coen and Jaguars leadership reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a contract, ending the two-day saga. A deal is expected to be finalized today.
At 39 years old, Coen becomes the fourth-youngest head coach in the league. He's spent 15 seasons as an assistant, ten of those at the college level and four seasons under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, who is widely considered one of the top offensive minds in all of football.
For the Bucs, they've now got to turn the page and hire their fourth offensive coordinator in four seasons.
It's the second time they're replacing a coordinator after one season who is leaving the organization to become a head coach, as Coen joins Dave Canales who left to become the Panthers head coach after just one season.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.