Baker Mayfield Sparks Excitement for New Buccaneers OC
In a stunning turn of events, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced Liam Coen as their new offensive coordinator. Coen, who previously worked with quarterback Baker Mayfield during a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to reunite with Mayfield.
“This was a no brainer. To get back with Baker potentially… all together, something we could not turn away from,” Coen told reporters at his introductory press conference.
Coen’s previous experience with Mayfield proved to be a game-changer for the quarterback. After their collaboration in December 2022, Mayfield’s career took off, leading to a remarkable season with the Buccaneers in 2023. Mayfield achieved career-high numbers, throwing for an impressive 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns.
“Baker, as you guys know, is an igniter,” Coen commented. “That is the type of guy that you want to be around… the opportunity to potentially be around him every day and to coach a guy that is as competitive as he is, that has that moxie, that’s fun.”
Mayfield’s success translated into team success, as he led the Buccaneers to the NFC South title and a Divisional Round appearance. His outstanding performance earned him the Pro Bowl offensive MVP title.
The big question now is whether Mayfield will remain with the Buccaneers. While he had a say in Coen’s hiring, there is speculation that Mayfield may explore free agency to maximize his earning potential.
Coen acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Mayfield’s future but emphasized that, for now, Mayfield’s focus will be on the players currently on the team. Coen will work closely with head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht to build a winning strategy.
Coen’s philosophy centers around prioritizing the players over the plays. He aims for balance in the team’s offensive approach, striving to be explosive both in the running and passing game. While the Buccaneers made improvements in their passing game this past season, their running game still requires attention. They finished last in rushing yards with an average of only 88.8 per game.
Coen expressed his admiration for running back Rachaad White, highlighting his dynamic abilities as a rusher and pass catcher. White’s impressive stats from the 2023 season, with 990 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 64 receptions, 549 receiving yards, and three touchdowns, make him a valuable asset to the team.
In terms of the passing game, Coen sees wide receiver Chris Godwin as a key player in the offense. Coen plans to utilize Godwin’s skill set by moving him to an inside/slot receiver role, similar to Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. With the potential departure of Mike Evans in free agency, Godwin could take on an even larger role within the offense.
As the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Liam Coen as offensive coordinator brings a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. Fans are eager to see how Mayfield and Coen’s reunion will impact the team’s performance and whether the Buccaneers can maintain their winning ways.
COEN COACHED WITH THE RAMS FROM 2018 AND 2020 AND AGAIN IN 2022 BETWEEN STINTS AT KENTUCKY AS THE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND QUARTERBACK COACH. HIS LAST SEASON WITH THE WILDCATS IN 2023 PRODUCED 29.1 POINTS AND 339.3 YARDS PER GAME.
COACHING FOOTBALL HAS BEEN PART OF HIS LIFE SINCE COLLEGE WHERE HE PLAYED AT UMASS FROM 2004 TO 2008. HE STARTED OFF AT BROWN AS THE QUARTERBACK COACH IN 2010, FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HIS FATHER, TIM, WHO COACHED LA SALLE ACADEMY IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.
“I GREW UP WITH A FOOTBALL, THAT’S ALL I’VE EVER KNOWN, UNFORTUNATELY, FOR MY WIFE,” THE YOUNGER COEN SAID.
MATTHEW DAVIS COVERS THE NFL.