Jaguars S Bates Already Impressed With HC Coen

As part of an aggressive pre-deadline trading day from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the front office added 3-time NFL All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons.

As the trade deadline approached, the Jaguars had two main needs - secondary and interior defensive line, which they addressed in a big way.

On Monday morning, following the breaking news, Bates took to X, writing "WOKE UP A JAGUAR!" before adding a big "DUUUVAL" and a Jaguars emoji.

This excitement is Bates knowing that he is joining one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and will have an opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl.

On Thursday, Bates spoke with Action Sports Jacksonville, where he talked about what he has seen from his new team thus far.

"We got a great leader in coach Liam [Coen], and what he's preaching in that team meeting," Bates said. "Those are some of the best team meetings that I've been in."

This is high praise from Bates, who has been part of an AFC-champion squad before, dating back to his time with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Coen continues to look like one of the biggest home-run hires of recent memory, sitting at a stellar 19-6 record through his first 25 games as Jaguars head coach.

He was very fired up following the trade deadline's passing, where he addressed his team and spoke on the front office's aggressive additions.

"I promise you, we just got better," Coen said.

The second-year bench boss talked about how he and the front office are always looking to give the team the best opportunity to "pursue greatness," challenging his team to do the same day-in and day-out.

Bates seconded this message during his first media appearance in Duval, where he backed the talent and abilities within the building, but said that staying focused on execution will get them into the playoffs.

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Bates has become a trusted commodity at the safety position.

After five standout seasons with the Bengals, and one All-Pro nod, Bates signed a hefty, four-year extension worth $64 million with Atlanta, earning two additional All Pro honors in the NFC South.

He remained one of the most-versatile and impactful defensive players in the league following the move, recording 14 interceptions (4th in NFL), 11 forced fumbles (most by any DB, 6th overall), four defensive TDs (T-2nd in NFL) and 378 tackles.

He is the only player with double-digit forced fumbles and interceptions in that time.

For Jacksonville, adding a player with this level of rapport and experience in the defensive backfield fills a big need, allowing Bates to anchor a young secondary.

The new-look defense will have it's first test this Sunday, taking on Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans.

Ward is playing the best football of his young NFL career, while coming off of a bye week.