Bucs expected to interview Kentucky, former Rams coordinator Liam Coen
TAMPA — There’s a good chance the Bucs’ new offensive coordinator won’t be meeting Baker Mayfield for the first time.
Several coaches who have applied for the job have worked with the Bucs quarterback in the past. The latest is Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who is expected to interview in Tampa in the next few days.
Coen, 38, was the offensive coordinator when Mayfield was claimed off waivers and joined the Rams for the final five games of the 2022 season.
Thursday, the Bucs will interview Rams passing game specialist Jake Peetz, who also was part of Sean McVay’s stuff during Mayfield’s brief stint in Los Angeles.
Tampa Bay already has interviewed Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who helped Mayfield to a career-high 95.9 passer rating in 2020. Mayfield passed for 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns with only eight interceptions and led the Browns to a wild-card win over the Steelers.
A former quarterback at UMass, Coen is in his second stint as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator. He previously held the position in 2021.
Coen was hired as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2022. He replaced Kevin O’Connell, who left to become head coach of the Vikings.
While it’s not imperative the Bucs’ new offensive coordinator have a previous relationship with Mayfield, it’s clear they would like to provide some continuity for the free-agent quarterback if he re-signs with the team.
Mayfield is coming off a career year in which he passed for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He led the Bucs to the NFC South title and division round of the playoffs.
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