JACKSONVILLE – This was about connection.
That was the core of the story Jeff Howe wrote about Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen, a story that appeared in the Athletic this week in which Coen spoke publicly for the first time about his late mother.
It was a special story for Coen – and for Howe, too.
"This one was different because it was personal," Howe said.
Howe, National Insider for the Athletic, joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2025 O-Zone Podcast, and discussed multiple topics – including why he believes Coen is – and will continue to be – a successful NFL head coach.
"You're seeing the Jaguars are reaping the benefits of the way he is able to connect with players and to scheme up an opponent," said Howe, who has been close with Coen since Coen quarterbacked the University of Massachusetts football team while Howe worked for the UMass student newspaper.
Howe, too, discussed this week's Athletic story on Coen – a story extensively featuring Coen's father, Tim, as well as Coen. The story outlined Beth's 2006 suicide following a long battle with Lyme Disease, with Coen discussing Beth publicly for the first time since her passing.
"It meant a lot to make sure that the legacy of Beth, and the way it was read by the family, hit the right chord – and that it was delivered with the respect that it absolutely deserved and needed," Howe said. "She was just an outstanding person, a beautiful soul."
Howe late in the story describes two tattoos Coen has dedicated to Beth. One, on his back, reads: "If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I would walk up to Heaven and bring you back again."
The other, just underneath his wrist, is written in his mother's signature and reads: "Elizabeth A. Coen."
"He showed me his wrist and her signature and I was really blown away," Howe said. "It's a way for him to channel here anytime he's able to."
Added Howe, "I've seen how quality this family, and what a quality person Liam, is – and always has been. I just wanted to make sure that however he wanted to go about it, let's just try to make sure we show people a side of Liam that I've been fortunate enough to know for 20 years."
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Howe, click HERE and to read the entire The Athletic article click HERE
