According to the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Liam Coen, knowledge of a former team can be an advantage or a curse. In an interview with the media in London on Friday, Coen shed some light on the psychological difficulties of dealing with the Los Angeles Rams, a club he understands well and is the former offensive coordinator of. He explained that overthinking matchups or play tendencies can do more harm than good.
“There’s a play out at practice yesterday and I’m like ‘They’re not going to run it like that’ and I’m like, ‘wait, shut up.’ Just doesn’t matter….” Coen said, acknowledging the importance of staying grounded and not letting past experience cloud current judgment.
Was really interesting getting #Jaguars HC Liam Coen’s thoughts today on overthinking familiarity.
“There’s a play out at practice yesterday and I’m like ‘They’re not going to run it like that’ and I’m like, ‘wait, shut up.’ Just doesn’t matter….” pic.twitter.com/FgrKjwLgaB
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) October 17, 2025
Jaguars OC Liam Coen Earns Praise for Brutally Honest Take
Jacksonville Jaguars, Liam Coen
New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen smiles after speaking and being introduced during a press conference Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Liam Coen, who joined the Jaguars this offseason following his two-year stay with the Rams, knows how a coach can fall into the trap of thinking he knows too much. These remarks indicate a self-awareness of the risks of cognitive bias, a recurring problem with coaches who have to deal with familiar opponents.
Although his trial with Los Angeles was invaluable in demonstrating how the offense systems operated under Sean McVay, Coen reiterated that preparation ought to be based on the present players and Jacksonville’s identity, not the old ones.
“When you know how a team operates, your brain automatically tries to predict what’s next,” one Jaguars assistant said off record. “But that can make you miss what’s happening right before you.”
The Jaguars have spent the week refining situational play calls, emphasizing adaptability and real-time reads over assumptions.
Coen’s moment of self-correction during practice, telling himself to “shut up,” reveals a rare honesty in NFL coaching circles. It recognizes that even top-tier coaches must combat mental shortcuts, especially when facing teams they once helped build.
Fans were quick to engage with Coen’s candid comments.
Onefan wrote,“Good question 🤞 I enjoyed that one,” praising the reporter for prompting an authentic response.
Another added,“Breaking down your internal biases is a big brain move,” appreciating Coen’s transparency about his mental approach.
Others turned their attention to media quality, with one usercommenting,“I pray for the day local media in Denver learns how to construct a good question.”
The collective response shows respect for Coen’s honesty, a refreshing trait in a league often defined by guarded answers. His willingness to acknowledge overthinking as a potential weakness underscores why Jacksonville’s locker room has quickly bought into his philosophy: focus on the moment, not the memory.