Jaguars coach Liam Coen sees immense untapped potential in QB Trevor Lawrence, praising his work ethic and readiness to build on an MVP-caliber season.
Jacksonville Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro, finishing as an MVP finalist and jelling quickly with first-year head coach Liam Coen.
But Coen believes Lawrence still has so much potential to grow into, giving him credit for his unwavering work ethic despite the ups and downs of his early NFL career.
“Four new systems, multiple different head coach situations, OCs, whatever it is, go throughout the season, and you find out, I mean, [Trevor] doesn’t miss a single practice, doesn’t miss a single throw in practice, played the whole season," Coen said Monday in an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "MVP finalist, Comeback Player of the Year finalist, did some great things. There is so much room to continue to improve, and I think that’s what we’re excited about attacking."
Lawrence led the Jaguars to a 13-4 finish last season, claiming the AFC South title, throwing for 4,007 yards and setting the single-season franchise record for touchdowns with 38.
The former No. 1 overall pick also showed improved ability as a runner, rushing a career-high 359 yards and shattering his previous rushing touchdown mark of five with nine last season.
But Lawrence really began to shine in the back half of last year, throwing for 15 touchdowns and just one interception in the final six games. As a team, Jacksonville excelled during Lawrence's flurry, rolling into the playoffs on an eight-game win streak.
For Coen, Lawrence's intangibles are what impress him, as he said the Jags QB's unique characteristics create a baseline for growth.
"When you start with A) humility and B) toughness, mentally and physically, I think you can do a lot with a quarterback," Coen said. "I’m really excited about working with Trevor again this year."
The next step for Lawrence is translating his success to the playoffs, as he is just 1-2, with a 75.8-average QBR in three appearances.
Of course, this season will already be a major adjustment for Lawrence, who will hand the ball off to a lead back not named Travis Etienne for the first time since 2018, when both played college ball at Clemson.
Etienne, who joined the New Orleans Saints in free agency, will be replaced by what is expected to be a backfield committee of Bhayshul Tuten and newly acquired Chris Rodriguez Jr., who has prior experience with Coen from college.
Lawrence's receiving targets remain intact, with Jakobi Meyers vying for the WR1 role, Brian Thomas Jr. in line for a much-improved third season, and Parker Washington looking to build on a breakout 2025.
With continued growth within Coen’s system, Lawrence enters the season positioned to take another step forward as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks and elevate the Jags to true contender status.
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