JACKSONVILLE — When the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Liam Coen as head coach in 2025, the argument wasn’t whether quarterback Trevor Lawrence had talent — it was whether he could finally become the franchise quarterback many expected when the Jaguars drafted him No. 1 overall in 2021. Sixteen weeks into this season, Lawrence isn’t just answering critics — he’s silencing them. And Coen deserves as much credit as any coach in the NFL for unlocking that elite potential.
For years, Lawrence’s career felt like a promise unfulfilled — flashes of brilliance sandwiched between streaky performances and injuries. Last season’s shoulder injury and inconsistent results left questions about whether he could ever truly carry a contender. But in 2025, with Coen installing a quarterback-friendly system and building around his strengths, Lawrence has emerged not just as a franchise QB — but as the catalyst of Jacksonville’s resurgence.
Through 14 games this season, Lawrence has posted 3,210 passing yards with 23 touchdowns, ranking among the NFL’s better producers while leading the Jaguars to a 10-4 record and a possible AFC top seed. He’s averaged over 229 yards passing per game with a passer rating near 88, career highs in big moments and — perhaps most tellingly — a knack for late-game execution that was once elusive.
*These stats were accurate before kickoff between Jacksonville and Denver in Week 16 Sunday and will later be updated*
Coen’s imprint on the offense is clear. He’s simplified progressions, emphasized schematics that enhance Lawrence’s strengths and surrounded him with playmakers who complement his skill set rather than complicate it. When Coen brought in reliable pass catchers and committed to a balanced run game that keeps defenses honest, the Jaguars’ offense went from predictable to dangerous. That cohesion peaked recently when Lawrence threw five touchdowns and ran for another in a signature win — a performance that earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and showed just what he is capable of when the whole machine is humming.
Coen also deserves credit for cultivating confidence. This isn’t a quarterback who looks tentative in the pocket. He’s decisive, poised and comfortable making plays off script — traits that mirror Coen’s own calm, strategic approach. Defense upgrades and improved offensive line play have helped, but the transformation is rooted in Coen’s ability to make Lawrence believe in himself and in the system.
Coen’s faith hasn’t been blind. When Lawrence struggled early in games or faced pressure, Coen tweaked protections, adjusted play calls and stayed committed to the quarterback’s long-term growth rather than pounce on quick fixes. The result: a quarterback trending upward at the perfect time, just as the Jaguars are rolling toward the postseason with real Super Bowl aspirations.
There’s still football to be played, and stats tell only part of the story. But the arc of Lawrence’s 2025 campaign — from question mark to top-tier producer — reflects a coach who knew what he had, knew how to use it and wasn’t shy about making bold moves to accelerate growth.
Liam Coen didn’t just install a new offense — he helped Jacksonville rediscover its swagger. And with Trevor Lawrence playing the best football of his career, that swagger could carry the Jaguars much further than anyone predicted. This isn’t just a breakout season for a quarterback; it’s a breakout partnership. And it’s one of the most compelling coaching success stories in the NFL this year.
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