The Jacksonville Jaguars enter the sixth week of the 2026 NFL season with a 4-1 record, positioning themselves among the league’s most complete teams under head coach Liam Coen. Behind a defense allowing an average of 14 points per contest and an offense ranked inside the top ten for productivity, the franchise has built one of the strongest resumes in the AFC South.
Jacksonville Ascends the AFC Standings
The Jaguars’ hot start rests heavily on a defensive unit that has conceded just 70 points through five games. That group has forced six interceptions and recovered two fumbles while turning mistakes into short fields for the offense. On the other side of the ball, Jacksonville has committed just three turnovers all year, creating a margin that routinely tilts matches in their favor. The team currently holds third place in the NFL power rankings behind the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, leading analysts to take notice of a roster that sits comfortably atop its division.
Coen Reshapes the Franchise Culture
Liam Coen took over as head coach in 2025 and engineered a turnaround, compiling a 17-4 record ahead of the sixth week of the 2026 schedule. Despite a widely discussed introductory press conference featuring an awkward rallying cry, Coen quickly earned the locker room’s respect through innovative offensive schemes. Prior to his arrival in Jacksonville, Coen served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, where his play-calling style drew praise around the league for maximizing quarterback efficiency.
Liam Coen couldn't contain his excitement as the #Jaguars new head coach:“DUUUUUVVVVAAAAALLLL”😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/LPBVRqdffM
Lawrence Reaches New Heights Under His Coach
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has blossomed under Coen’s system after enduring a turbulent start to his professional career following his selection as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Labelled as a franchise savior, Lawrence endured four seasons that included just one campaign with a winning record. That trajectory shifted last year when Lawrence guided the Jaguars to a 13-4 regular-season finish and set a personal best with 29 passing touchdowns, though the run ended with a 33-30 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. In 2026, Lawrence is on pace to eclipse that mark with a projected 34 touchdowns and his fourth career 4,000-yard passing season.
Remaining Questions in the AFC Playoff Race
While the Jaguars look poised to secure the AFC South title with the division’s only current winning record, questions remain regarding how they will handle the conference’s heavier hitters in January. The AFC features several dominant contenders capable of testing Jacksonville’s defense and high-flying offense on the road to the Super Bowl. Whether Coen’s squad can maintain its discipline and defensive intensity against elite competition deep into the postseason is the uncertainty hanging over the team as the autumn schedule unfolds.
