The Jacksonville Jaguars season came to a crushing end last Sunday. Yet what transpired next was anything but ordinary.
This is an incredible post-game exchange between a reporter and Jaguars HC Liam Coen: pic.twitter.com/FwE8aRFaaR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2026
After the Jaguars fell 27-24 to the Buffalo Bills in a wild-card loss at EverBank Stadium, head coach Liam Coen approached the podium, gearing up for the typical postgame debrief.
What he received was quite different.
“How are you feeling today?” Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press initiated. “I wanted to say congratulations on your achievements, young man. Keep your head high, alright? You’ve had a remarkable season. You put in great effort today. Just hold your head up, okay?
The atmosphere in the room shifted. Coen beamed.
“Thank you, I appreciate it,” the first-year head coach replied. “Thank you, ma’am.”
That moment rapidly gained traction online, sparking a heated debate across sports media. Some celebrated the genuine nature of the interaction. Others scrutinized whether it crossed the line of professionalism.
This reporter’s message to Liam Coen following the Jags’ Wild Card loss 🥹 pic.twitter.com/wq4yhG317y
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 11, 2026
Adam Schefter of ESPN hailed it as “an incredible post-game exchange,” a stance that drew immediate criticism. Former ESPN journalist Jemele Hill was notably vocal against this viewpoint.
Hill replied, “That cannot be a reporter. If it is, I wouldn’t have chosen the word incredible.”
Associated Press journalist Mark Long was frank, branding the moment “embarrassing” and claiming it stole time away from genuine inquiries. ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor supported this view, emphasizing that postgame pressers should focus on explanations and future strategies, not on consolation.
That can’t be a reporter. Cause if so, I would not have used the term awesome. https://t.co/RVLDeAiFP5
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) January 12, 2026
However, Jones found considerable support.
Will Brown of Jacksonville Today stood up for her, highlighting her extensive experience covering communities often ignored by larger networks. Sporting News editor Brian Schaible echoed this sentiment, describing Jones as a consistent source of positivity and celebrating her enthusiasm throughout the season.
Nothing “awesome” about fans/fake media doing stuff like that. It should be embarrassing for the people who credentialed her and her organization, and it’s a waste of time for those of us actually working. https://t.co/sP2vAEJYj4
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) January 11, 2026
The Jaguars joined in on the conversation, sharing the video on their official social media platforms.
Meanwhile, the game itself remained a focal point. The Bills advanced behind quarterback Josh Allen, who sealed the game with a one-yard rushing touchdown just over a minute before the end. This marked Buffalo’s first road playoff victory under head coach Sean McDermott.
For Jacksonville, quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdowns but suffered two interceptions in the loss.
“You’ve got to accept it,” Lawrence stated. “No do-overs are available. It was a special group, and it stings that we won’t get to continue playing.”
#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/2j94VSA965
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 11, 2026
The conversation carried on into the night. On ESPN, Scott Van Pelt tackled the debate, presenting a different perspective.
“There’s already enough negativity in the world,” Van Pelt remarked. “That was a nice moment. It’s completely acceptable to show kindness. Relax.”
Ultimately, the Jaguars experienced a playoff exit. The league diverged from its usual narrative. And one surprising moment ignited a discussion on how sports coverage should adapt when the season concludes and emotions are high.
