Liam Coen Thanks Reporter Lynn Jones After She Faces Backlash for Defending Jaguars

 Posted January 12, 2026

The aftermath of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ heartbreaking playoff loss took an unexpected turn, as head coach Liam Coen publicly expressed his gratitude toward a local reporter who found herself at the center of a national media debate.

Following Jacksonville’s 27–24 Wild Card defeat to the Buffalo Bills, emotions were raw inside the Jaguars’ press conference room. The loss came on a late touchdown by Josh Allen

, abruptly ending what had been a remarkable first season for Coen, who guided the team to a 13–4 record.

As Coen addressed the media, veteran journalist Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press stood up and delivered an emotional message of encouragement, congratulating the head coach and praising the Jaguars for a “magnificent season.” Rather than posing a question, Jones urged Coen to keep his head up and reminded him — and the city — that the team’s future remains bright.

The moment quickly went viral, splitting opinion across the NFL media landscape. Several national reporters criticized the exchange, arguing that journalists should not act as fans or offer consolation during postgame press conferences. Former players and media figures echoed that sentiment, calling the moment unprofessional.

But within Jacksonville, the response was far different.

According to team sources, Coen reached out privately to thank Jones after she became the target of widespread criticism. He reportedly made it clear that her words resonated not just with him, but with players who were emotionally drained after seeing their season end in such painful fashion.

“I truly appreciate her words,” Coen said. “What she said came from a place of care and respect — not just for me, but for our players and this organization. After a night like that, it meant more than she probably knows.”

For Coen, the message landed at a moment when football analysis felt secondary. The Jaguars had battled to the final possession, and the locker room was filled with players grappling with disappointment after months of sacrifice.

Support for Jones also poured in from fans and local journalists, many of whom highlighted her decades-long career and deep ties to the Jacksonville community. The Jaguars themselves amplified the moment by sharing the clip on social media, signaling organizational support.

While the debate over journalistic boundaries continues, Coen’s response reframed the discussion. Rather than focusing on protocol, he emphasized humanity — acknowledging that, in moments of loss, encouragement can matter as much as scrutiny.

As Jacksonville turns the page toward the offseason, the exchange has become a defining off-field moment of the Jaguars’ playoff run — a reminder that behind every result are people processing victory, defeat, and everything in between.