Liam Coen’s Plan for Lawrence & Hunter’s Success

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A broad grin illuminated Jaguars coach Liam Coen’s face as Trevor Lawrence trotted off the field, having just completed a touchdown pass during the first quarter of their August 17th preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The starting offensive unit was operating with remarkable efficiency – racking up 118 yards and converting all three third-down attempts across two possessions. Lawrence displayed quick decision-making, distributing the ball effectively. The scoring play to Parker Washington saw him execute a concise three-step drop, glance left, then swing back to his right, delivering a precise pass to Washington’s helmet.

Washington secured the catch, pivoted sharply, maneuvered between two defenders, and lunged into the end zone. This marked Lawrence’s eighth successful completion out of ten attempts, with five different players registering receptions.

It encapsulated precisely what Coen had aimed to achieve after dedicating the offseason to refining Lawrence’s foundational skills.

Coen wore a similar expression three weeks earlier during the team’s scrimmage held at EverBank Field. That occasion marked the debut of rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter on both offensive and defensive plays in a single practice. Coen conveyed his enthusiasm at observing how seamlessly Hunter adapted.

These two brief instances, amidst the countless hours invested during training camp, served as indicators of Coen’s strategic vision for the Jaguars materializing.

Upon his appointment as Doug Pederson’s successor in January, Coen faced a formidable challenge: to rehabilitate the team’s quarterback, whose performance had lacked consistency, and to construct a squad capable of sustained success.

Three months subsequently, an additional element was introduced to his agenda: to devise a strategy for effectively integrating Hunter into a significant number of offensive and defensive plays on a consistent basis, a feat unseen in the NFL for over four decades.

All this, while undertaking his first head coaching role at any echelon.

General manager James Gladstone acknowledged the substantial nature of the task, but affirmed Coen’s enthusiastic reception of it.

“He [doesn’t] hesitate when the chance to act boldly emerges,” Gladstone commented.

The Jaguars’ management team finds encouragement in the progress observed thus far. Lawrence’s improved footwork, a primary area of focus under Coen’s guidance, and his deepening comprehension of the offensive scheme are particularly noteworthy. The team, after thorough deliberation, formulated a strategy to equip Hunter for dual-role responsibilities during training camp and the regular season. There exists a firm conviction within the organization that Coen is indeed orchestrating a cohesive transformation.

“We were confident in our selection of him, and that sentiment remains unwavering,” stated Tony Boselli, executive vice president of football operations. “Our belief in his leadership abilities remains strong.”

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Rectifying the Quarterback Situation

Coen’s initial course of action involved retraining Lawrence in fundamental techniques.

Precise timing, body command, focus, and, crucially, footwork must harmonize. Otherwise, the execution falters, resembling awkward movements rather than a refined dance. Lawrence’s performance, particularly post-snap, occasionally mirrored this lack of coordination in his earlier seasons.

“The quarterback’s drop mirrors a dance, where each tune dictates a unique rhythm,” Coen explained. “Similarly, each play and system follows its distinct cadence.”

The primary emphasis was on enhancing Lawrence’s footwork.

A quarterback’s foot placement is intrinsically linked to their reading, progression through options, and release. This also dictates accuracy, according to an NFL offensive coordinator and head coach now acting as a consultant to various teams.

Proper alignment of feet, body, and shoulders facilitates precise throws, but Lawrence’s foot positioning frequently deviated from this standard.

“Consistent playmakers rely on reliable footwork, delivery, and motion,” the former coach, who wished to remain anonymous, stated.

“… [Lawrence’s] struggles arise from indecisiveness compounded by delivering the ball late with inconsistent footwork. However, his inherent talent enables him to succeed at times.”

Lawrence’s passing accuracy was among the league’s poorest the prior season.

NFL Next Gen Stats ranked his completion percentage over expectation (CPOE), a metric assessing accuracy against anticipated completion rates, 33rd out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks. His off-target throw percentage stood at 16.9%, placing him 25th among qualifying QBs and marking his second-worst career figure, eclipsed only by his rookie year.

During Coen’s tenure as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Baker Mayfield secured a 10th-place ranking in CPOE, with an off-target percentage that was the league’s fourth-best in 2024. Both statistics represented career peaks for Mayfield.

One of Coen’s first adjustments involved positioning Lawrence’s left foot ahead of his right when in shotgun formation. While seemingly minor, this felt unusual due to Lawrence’s long-standing habit of placing his right foot forward.

This began in the spring, while Lawrence was still recovering from left, non-throwing, shoulder surgery. He was able to refine the technique at home through continuous repetition. Lawrence needed to cultivate muscle memory to override his ingrained movement pattern.

“Observing quarterbacks execute three-step or five-step drops may appear uniform, but subtleties exist,” offensive coordinator Grant Udinski clarified. “He noted altering his foot positioning, which necessitates learning the nuances of those steps, including angles and shoulder alignment.”

“… Dedication and effort are essential because, ideally, a quarterback shouldn’t be preoccupied with foot placement or step count during live play.”

Coen has synchronized specific footwork techniques with his offensive design. For instance, the quarterback’s footwork is linked to particular concepts, routes, and drop depths, influencing timing.

Coen’s offensive system thrives on rapid ball distribution. Mayfield’s proficient execution of the system in 2024 led to career highs in completion percentage (71.4%), passing yards (4,500), and passing touchdowns (41), coupled with a career-low time-to-throw (2.70 seconds).

Lawrence has not maintained consistent performance throughout a full season during his four-year career, and he has never surpassed 25 touchdown passes (2022). Consequently, he embraced the mechanical adjustments, conceding the need for refinement, including a concept previously unaddressed until this spring.

“Utilizing my vision to mislead defenses about my intended target,” Lawrence explained. “… Many quarterbacks employ this strategy, but it hadn’t been explicitly taught to me. Prioritizing the use of eye manipulation, particularly to create openings, makes sense.”

“However, without explicit guidance, it’s easy to overlook.”

Progress is gradual.

“It’s becoming increasingly comfortable and natural,” Lawrence noted. “I’m no longer consciously dictating my footwork. The ingrained mechanics of hitching and weight transfer take longer to correct.”

Demanding a quarterback overhaul his physical mechanics while assimilating a new offense under his third head coach and fourth offensive coordinator within five years is a significant undertaking. However, Coen is satisfied with Lawrence’s advancement.

“My focus isn’t on flawless throws at this juncture,” Coen stated. “Instead, I’m assessing his overall command of the offense, which he’s currently demonstrating effectively.”

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Managing Hunter’s dual role

Every aspect of Hunter’s integration, the second overall pick in April’s draft, since his introduction at rookie minicamp on May 9, has undergone meticulous dissection by Coen.

His training schedule, dietary regimen, meeting attendance, designated side of the ball for practice, snap counts – all variables have been researched, assessed, and deliberated.

The Jaguars regarded this comprehensive approach as the exclusive means of preparing Hunter, and by extension, the entire team, for his anticipated position as the league’s inaugural regular two-way player since Roy Green in 1981.

“It’s impeccably coordinated,” Hunter remarked. “Coach [Coen] and I review the schedule weekly, and I receive a visual representation and a written copy to keep in my locker, ensuring precise awareness of my location and required time.”

The development of the schedule began even prior to the Jaguars’ definitive acquisition of Hunter. As they investigated trading with the Cleveland Browns, in order to move up three places to select the Colorado star, Gladstone and Coen consulted various individuals within the organization.

They solicited input from diverse areas: strength and conditioning, athletic training, equipment management, sports science, nutrition, and assistant coaches from both the receiver and defensive back positions. The Jaguars also engaged in discussions with Colorado personnel to understand their methodology for managing Hunter’s workload on a weekly basis.

Hunter’s level of conditioning was examined. The conclusion: he has tremendous stamina.

His required rest periods during the week were also assessed. He undertook recovery from Sunday to Tuesday, and came back to practice on Wednesday.

The manner in which he switched between offensive and defensive assignments during practice and meetings was also a focus. He practiced both sides of the ball Wednesday through Friday and attended meetings on both sides of the ball throughout the week.

The mental workload was also reviewed. He was not overwhelmed.

The Jaguars utilized this data to generate a preliminary plan, which they enacted following the trade with the Browns.

Coen emphasized that the most vital component of the plan involved retaining flexibility and adapting as required – a step they implemented after OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

Initially, the Jaguars limited his practice participation to one side of the ball – starting with offense, given its perceived complexity. But then, Hunter transitioned to participating on both sides during the final day of mandatory minicamp.

“We observed that he may have practiced on offense, let’s say on a Thursday, since we typically limit Friday activities,” Coen explained. “Subsequently, he had Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and then Monday on defense. That means four days without offensive practice. We determined that this duration was excessive. It created an imbalance in his familiarity with each side of the ball, so we adjusted accordingly.”

Once training camp commenced, Hunter spent his time practicing one side of the ball during the first seven practices. When the Jaguars were in special teams periods he would work off to the side with assistant coaches from the opposite side of the ball to get individual training.

Hunter has handled the workload with no issues, receivers coach Edgar Bennett said.

“He’s demonstrating his capabilities, and playing on both offense and defense shows how he continues to work hard, and when he gets his opportunity, he’s going to make the most of it,” Bennett said.

Hunter will receive this opportunity. Despite external skepticism, exemplified by Los Angeles Rams receiver Davante Adams’ comments on “The Pivot” podcast, Hunter is set to play on both sides of the ball each week.

The Jaguars’ decision to trade four draft picks – including a 2026 first-rounder – to elevate their draft position and select Hunter was based on the desire for him to contribute in dual roles, potentially “altering the trajectory of the sport,” as Gladstone articulated the day after Hunter was drafted.

Starting assignments will be determined partly by matchups. If the Jaguars initiate with 11 personnel on offense (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) Hunter will likely be on the field. If they’re in 12 personnel (one back, two tight ends, two receivers), then maybe not. Tyson Campbell and Jourdan Lewis are likely starters at cornerback in the Jaguars’ base defense. If they go with five defensive backs, Hunter will line up outside and Lewis moves to nickel.

Hunter’s weekly snap count remains subject to adjustments. He averaged 113.9 snaps at Colorado in 2024, but that figure might be unsustainable in the NFL. Last season, Cincinnati receiver Ja’Marr Chase averaged 62 snaps and Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II averaged 61.1. Chase played 93% of the Bengals’ offensive snaps and Surtain 90% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps.

The Jaguars have declined to specify Hunter’s projected weekly snap count, but they hinted that will depend on matchups. In Week 2, for example, the Jaguars play in Cincinnati. That might be a game in which they need Hunter more on defense than offense.

There is also the rise of Washington, a third-year receiver. Coen wants to get him on the field, but do some of his snaps take away from Hunter or Dyami Brown? Injuries also will play a role. If Brian Thomas Jr., for example, misses a game because of an injury, then it’s likely Hunter will play more snaps offensively, and how will that impact his defensive snaps?

Lewis is convinced that Hunter is uniquely equipped to manage 100% of the snaps on both sides of the ball. He has been impressed by Hunter’s conditioning, his swift assimilation of the offensive and defensive playbooks, and his demeanor on the field.

“His energy is unique,” Lewis said. “And the way he goes about his business is different. All he wants to do is play football. It takes a special individual mentally to go out there and want to do both things. It’s going to be tough, especially being his first time in the NFL, but I think he has it.

“He has it to do it.”

After missing time with an upper-body injury in recent weeks, Hunter is expected to play vs. the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. And Coen views Hunter’s camp as a success.

“From a scheduling standpoint, I do think that it’s been a success. He still wants more, which is good, but he’s got to also hone in on the details and get back to that after being away for 10 days. But I do believe it was a success.”