PHOENIX — Liam Coen can sympathize with Travis Etienne’s revelation that his last name is pronounced like “achan” and not “ETN,” as the Jacksonville Jaguars coach and so many others called the new New Orleans Saints running back over the years.
Growing up, Coen heard plenty of “lie-ums” instead of “lee-em.” And he commonly sees his last name spelled “Cohen,” even as recently as this month, when he noticed it was wrong on a golfing trip itinerary.
“I can kind of at least understand where he’s coming from,” Coen said with a grin.
Coen indicated he was not only happy to see his former player embrace the change, but also to see Etienne land a four-year, $52 million contract with the Saints.
Etienne’s departure meant the Jaguars had to replace their starting running back, but that didn’t stop Coen from enjoying the one season they had together. In Coen’s first year with the Jaguars, Etienne had a bounce-back season with 1,107 rushing yards as Jacksonville went 13-4.
“He was a pro’s pro for us,” Coen said. “I think he took on the challenges of what we brought in as a coaching staff the right way. He formed a really good relationship with Chad Morton, our running backs coach, but also with some of the players on our team. He got some captain votes in preseason.
“I’m very appreciative of what he was able to do for us this season. For him to be able to go back home, get paid, change his family’s future and himself, that’s rewarding for me.”