The Liam Coen era begins at Jaguars 2025 training camp. Get the latest on the new coach's high-energy start and an update on Trevor Lawrence's shoulder.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The familiar sounds of helmets and whistles returned to the Miller Electric Center on Thursday, but the feeling was unmistakably new. The Liam Coen era has officially begun in Jacksonville, and the first day of 2025 training camp was defined by a palpable shift in energy, a clear message from the new head coach, and one significant question mark hanging over the team's franchise quarterback.
It's all about energy, communication, and buy-in. We've set the expectation, and now it's about stacking good days on top of each other.
From the moment players hit the field, Head Coach Liam Coen's presence was felt. Addressing the team and media, he laid out his non-negotiables: 'energy, communication, and buy-in.' It's a mantra that signals a fresh start, and according to players, the message is being received loud and clear. The first practice was crisp, with the team's social media accounts buzzing with highlights of drills and player arrivals under the #DUUUVAL hashtag. The focus was on fundamentals and effort, with Coen and his staff aiming to build a strong foundation for the season ahead. Crucially, no major injuries were reported from the session itself, a welcome sign as the team begins the long grind of camp.
While the overall vibe was positive, the biggest storyline remains the health of Trevor Lawrence. Listed as questionable with a shoulder issue, Lawrence was a full participant in team activities, albeit with a noticeable sleeve on his throwing arm. Both he and Coach Coen downplayed the severity, but it's a situation the entire fanbase will be monitoring closely. The injury report wasn't entirely clean elsewhere, either. The team placed defensive tackle Maason Smith (undisclosed) and linebacker Dennis Gardeck (knee) on the active/PUP list, meaning they can be activated at any time. Offensive tackle Cooper Hodges (knee) also landed on the PUP list, thinning the depth along the line to start camp.
On the other side of the ball, the excitement is building around a defense under new coordinator Anthony Campanile. Edge rusher Travon Walker, coming off a breakout season, was a vocal leader on day one. He told reporters he's focused on one thing above all else: consistency. 'I'm excited about what Coach Campanile is bringing,' Walker said. 'It's about chemistry and being a dominant force every single snap.' Campanile echoed the praise, highlighting Walker's leadership and intense offseason preparation. As the defense installs new schemes, Walker's ability to set the edge and generate pressure will be paramount to the team's success in 2025.
Day one is in the books, and the foundation has been laid. The energy is high, and the new coaching staff's vision is starting to take shape. Now, the challenge is to maintain that intensity. All eyes will remain on Trevor Lawrence's health and how the offense and defense continue to gel in Coen and Campanile's new systems. The journey to September has just begun, and if this first practice is any indication, it's going to be a compelling one to watch.
