Jaguars cut penalties sharply in 2026; coaching continuity credited for turnaround

# What changed

# Why penalties mattered Penalties in 2025 repeatedly stalled drives and worsened field position, undermining the team's ability to sustain momentum even when other parts of the roster performed well. Reducing those infractions removes repeated, avoidable setbacks that can change the flow of a game.

# The coach's explanation Liam Coen, the Jaguars' head coach, attributed the turnaround primarily to continuity. He said being in the same system for a second year across offense, defense, and special teams helps players handle pre-snap situations — motion, shifts, and cadence changes — with fewer errors. He also cited improved chemistry and leadership among players as contributing factors.

Coen's direct points to the media included:

• Year two in the same system reduces mistakes tied to learning new personnel or signals.
• Pre-snap elements like motion and shifts become cleaner when players have established roles and expectations.
• Team emphasis in training camp targeted "self-inflicted wounds," aiming to stop mistakes that put the team at a disadvantage.

He added that the staff and players must remain disciplined and consistent with communication as the season continues.

# Concrete elements that helped Having the same coaching staff and virtually the same roster meant players did not need to learn a new playbook or new signals. That reduced the margin for error in pre-snap procedures and in-game adjustments. The team also set a clear training-camp priority to eliminate avoidable penalties, which Coen described as a focal point going into the season.

# What to watch next Coen described the improvement as promising through three games but framed it as an ongoing process. Key signs to monitor as the season progresses:

• Whether the low penalty rate sustains across a longer sample size and against tougher opponents.
• How communication and discipline hold up late in games and under higher pressure situations.
• Whether the reduction in penalties translates into better sustained drives and improved field position over the full season.

# Bottom line