Baker Mayfield Reveals Thoughts on New Buccaneers' Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly found their new offensive coordinator in Liam Coen. The former Kentucky offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach was one of eight candidates to interview for the Bucs' vacant position.
Coen who spent several seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, was current free agent, and 2023 Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield's offensive coordinator in 2022. Coen was pivotal in getting Mayfield ready for the Thursday Night Football game against the Rams on a one-day turnaround and the rest of the 2022 season.
At the Pro Bowl games, Mayfield was asked about his relationship with Coen and the system he will bring to the Bucs by several members of the local media. The pending free agent said there will be a lot of similarities which is good for the continuity of the players on offense.
“Obviously I got to work with Liam (Coen) in L.A. Great guy. Really, really good guy. If they lock that down for sure, it’s a similar system obviously. Same system just some different terminology and how he wants to call things but there is something to say about that with continuity on the offense. For skill guys, the offensive line, so it's important to have.”
When asked about his playcalling and what his tone is like as a coordinator, Mayfield says he’s a passionate guy who brings an energy that the players will feed off of.
“I think he’s straightforward. I love the system obviously going to LA and then playing under Dave (Canales) in a similar system. I love how it’s called, I love just the approach how the run sets up the pass, and everything like that. There are a lot of intricate parts that give different complex looks to the defense. But Liam, he’s smart in how he wants to approach it, he’s got the mindset of a hard worker and he’s really passionate and that energy guys feed off of that.”
When asked if Mayfield was involved in the offensive coordinator search he said he didn’t have much say in the process.
“Not exactly. Just is he a good guy, a little here or there, but they do enough of their own research they don’t need to hear it from me.”
Mayfield was then asked how much conversation has taken place regarding a contract extension and said he expects them to pick up once they complete their offensive coordinator hire.
“I think now that they are trying to finalize with Liam I think that will pick up.”
With Coen's familiarity with Mayfield, it's even more likely the Pro Bowl quarterback will be back with the Bucs for the 2024 season and possibly beyond.
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