Pete Carroll Respects Liam Coen’s Coaching Tree Most
Pete Carroll, head coach of the Raiders, is set to face off against Jaguars head coach Liam Coen this Sunday. As Carroll prepares, he acknowledges Coen’s innovative offensive strategy, recognized as one of the best in the NFL.
Pete Carroll on Liam Coen’s Coaching Influence
Carroll emphasizes the strength of the McVay coaching tree, under which Coen has developed. Coen began his coaching career as an assistant wide receivers coach for the Rams, working alongside Sean McVay. He steadily climbed the ranks to become the Rams’ assistant quarterbacks coach and later their offensive coordinator.
Coaching Journey of Liam Coen
- Assistant wide receivers coach at the Rams.
- Promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach.
- Served as offensive coordinator.
- Gained experience at Kentucky and Tampa Bay.
- Became head coach of the Jaguars in 2023.
Carroll respects the innovative aspects of the McVay offensive scheme. He remarked, “The tree that he comes from is really the one I respect the most.” He appreciates the creativity and strong fundamentals that characterize Coen’s offense, which poses a significant challenge for defenses.
Characteristics of the McVay Offensive Scheme
- Utilizes a multifaceted offensive approach.
- Strong running game with effective play-action passing.
- Incorporates downfield routes and concepts.
Additionally, other notable head coaches have emerged from McVay’s coaching tree. Current coaches include:
- Matt LaFleur – Green Bay
- Zac Taylor – Cincinnati
- Kevin O’Connell – Minnesota
Carroll’s own choice for offensive coordinator differs from the path of Coen. In Las Vegas, he appointed Chip Kelly, a seasoned coach with a distinct offensive philosophy developed long before McVay’s rise. The dynamic between Carroll and Kelly has not always been smooth, which could lead Carroll to reconsider his choice in the context of the success of McVay’s coaching tree.
The Future of Offensive Coaching in the NFL
As young offensive minds gain prominence, teams continue to seek innovative strategies inspired by established mentors, such as McVay. The impact of these coaching trees will shape the NFL’s offensive landscape for years to come.
