Former UMass star Liam Coen got the win in his NFL coaching debut, leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at home Sunday afternoon.

Coen and the Jags overcame both the Panthers and a 66-minute first-half lightning delay to start their 2025 season 1-0.

Coen, who played 50 games at quarterback for UMass from 2005-08, was hired by the Jaguars in large part to improve the play of 2021 No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence. He had served as offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024.

In his first game with Coen, Lawrence was 19 for 31 for 178 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception.

Running back Travis Etienne rushed for 143 yards on 16 carries.

Jacksonville plays at Cincinnati in Week 2.

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