What started as a typical postage press conference turned into a motivational session for Jaguars head coach Liam Coen following Jacksonville‘s 27-24 AFC Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
What started as a typical postgame press conference turned into a motivational session for Jaguars head coach Liam Coen following Jacksonville‘s 27-24 AFC Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Coen was taking questions from the media Sunday afternoon, when a Jacksonville reporter took her turn to speak.
Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press didn’t ask a question. Instead, she showered Coen with praise for the season and motivation heading into the 2026 season.
“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man,” Jones told Coen. “You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, OK?
"Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going -- we got another season, OK? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”
“Appreciate it. Thank you, ma’am,” Coen told Jones.
The interaction sparked debate across social media about the journalistic integrity.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter enjoyed the positivity of the interaction following the Jaguars' loss, calling it "awesome."
On the flip side, you had some argue this wasn’t a good look because the postgame press conference is not a place for reporters to act like cheerleaders. Even one of Schefter’s colleagues, ESPN's Brooke Pryor, who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers, expressed shock about the interaction.
The debate on social is over whether reporters should express a rooting interest during the press conference.
Some media members said they would pull players and coaches aside and express appreciation, but wouldn't do so during a press conference, when reporters have limited time to ask questions and are working on a deadline.
On the other hand, many appreciated the kind exchange, noting it's something you don’t see often in the business. It was a very positive moment and one has to wonder if, deep down, Coen really enjoyed hearing that message amidst all the pointed and potentially accusatory questions he received.
It’s a fine line to walk when you cover sports.
The Jaguars did have a great season. Coen led one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history, taking Jacksonville from 4-13 in 2024 to 13-4 in 2025 and their first AFC South title since 2022. The season ended rather abruptly, but Coen and the Jaguars no doubt will keep their heads up moving forward.
Just don’t expect him to hear that from a reporter anytime soon. At least publicly.
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