The Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive overhaul under offensive coordinator Liam Coen remains a key storyline this offseason. A recent report reveals that Coen actively pursued former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard in an effort to bring him onto the Jaguars' coaching staff.
According to Sports Illustrated, Coen reached out to Grizzard during the offseason in hopes of reuniting with his former colleague, reflecting a clear desire to replicate the offensive success they achieved together in Tampa Bay. The duo previously collaborated during the 2024 NFL season when Grizzard served as the Buccaneers' passing game coordinator and Coen was involved in coaching the offense. Grizzard then took over as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator in 2025 after Coen departed to lead Jacksonville's offense.
The reported attempt to hire Grizzard underscores Coen's preference for familiarity and proven collaboration. Introducing a new offensive system demands not only strategic innovation but also the establishment of a cohesive culture and teaching approach. By trying to pair with someone who had already navigated that process successfully with him, Coen sought to quicken the Jaguars' offensive development and minimize transition challenges. This strategy is particularly important as Jacksonville aims to maximize the prime years of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
While the exact role Grizzard would have filled on the Jaguars staff was not disclosed, it is clear that Coen values their shared history and the synergy that contributed to the Buccaneers' potent offense. However, the effort was unsuccessful. Grizzard was ultimately hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as their passing game coordinator in early 2026, opting to join an NFC East contender rather than moving to Jacksonville.
Grizzard's move to the Eagles marks a new chapter following his departure from Tampa Bay, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2025 before being relieved of his duties after the season. His hiring in Philadelphia reunites him under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and head coach Nick Sirianni, who previously hired Mannion as OC earlier this offseason.
From the Jaguars' perspective, the unsuccessful attempt to bring Grizzard on board highlights the competitive nature of NFL coaching markets, where staffing moves are often determined by timing, fit, and opportunity. Despite the setback, the pursuit itself reflects the Jaguars' commitment to assembling a coaching staff grounded in recent winning formulas.
Liam Coen's offensive vision for Jacksonville has been influenced by his work within the Sean McVay coaching tree, aiming to implement a modern, versatile offense that can maximize the skill sets of Lawrence and the Jaguars' receiving and running backs corps. Attempting to bring in Grizzard signaled a willingness to lean heavily into that lineage and to surround himself with trusted collaborators who can execute the scheme and culture effectively.
The Jaguars' offensive identity has historically struggled with consistency, often marked by promising flashes but a lack of sustainable production. With Coen at the helm, backed by promising young players like Trevor Lawrence and a talented supporting cast, the team is betting on continuity, coaching acumen, and tactical innovation to elevate their attack in 2026 and beyond.
Though Grizzard will be contributing his expertise in Philadelphia, the Jaguars still have a formidable offensive coaching staff in place. Head coach Liam Coen leads the offense with Grant Udinski serving as offensive coordinator and Anthony Campanile as defensive coordinator. General Manager James Gladstone continues to oversee roster construction as the team builds toward contention.
For Jacksonville fans, the reported attempt to hire Josh Grizzard is a subtle yet significant indicator of the franchise's intent to build a staff around proven NFL professionals with a shared philosophy. It signals that Coen aims to create more than just an offensive system -- he wants to establish a winning culture borne from real-world NFL experience and success.
Looking ahead, the focus in Jacksonville will be on the implementation of Coen's offensive scheme during offseason activities and into the 2026 campaign. The return of key players like Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and emerging receivers alongside the coaching staff promises an intriguing season. While the roads not taken occasionally attract attention, the Jaguars remain steadfast in building a cohesive unit dedicated to sustained success.
In summary, Liam Coen's effort to bring former Buccaneers OC Josh Grizzard to Jacksonville may have fallen short, but it revealed his commitment to assembling a capable and like-minded coaching staff. The Jaguars enter 2026 with clear offensive ambitions--a blueprint refined through collaboration in Tampa Bay--and a renewed sense of purpose funded by strategic front office decisions and coaching continuity.
As the Jaguars continue their postseason preparations and offseason workouts, the organization's willingness to pursue top-tier coaching talent, even if not always successful, underscores their determination to rise in the NFL ranks. With Coen's vision guiding the way, Jacksonville aims to transition from potential to production and to cement their place as a competitive force in the AFC South and the league at large.