“Leadership isn’t just about decisions; it’s about the legacy those decisions create.”
The living room was quieter than usual. With the Buccaneers eliminated from the playoffs, we still felt the season-ending sting as we geared up to watch the Eagles and Commanders game.
Maggie, perched on the couch in her Buccaneers hoodie, overheard me say, “I can’t believe Coen left like that.” She looked at me thoughtfully and, instead of her usual questions about Mike Evans, touchdowns, or the next play, asked something that caught me off guard:
“Daddy, why do some people decide to leave and others decide to stay?”
I paused for a moment, considering how to explain it. Liam Coen’s departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars as their new head coach was still fresh, and it had left many Buccaneers fans—and likely the team itself—grappling with a mix of frustration, disbelief, and outright anger.
“Sometimes, Maggie,” I began, “people leave because they see a chance to try something new, learn more, or help others in a bigger way. Even if it’s hard, they think it’s the right choice.”
She tilted her head and asked, “Was this the right choice?”
I chuckled softly. “Coen better hope so.”
It’s a concept even adults wrestle with: When is it time to leave, and how important is the legacy you leave behind?
Liam Coen: Balancing Loyalty and Ambition
Liam Coen’s departure to the Jaguars was as dramatic as it was unexpected. In his first and only season as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Coen transformed the offense into one of the league’s best, helping quarterback Baker Mayfield achieve a career-high 41 touchdown passes. The Bucs’ offense ranked third in scoring and set a franchise record for rushing yards per game. Coen’s impact was undeniable, making him a top candidate for Jacksonville’s head coaching vacancy.
Honestly, not many Bucs fans would have blamed Liam Coen if he had initially accepted the Jaguars’ offer. After all, a similar situation unfolded last year when Dave Canales, who was “all in” for the Bucs Krewe, only to take a head coaching job with the division rival Carolina Panthers. The frustration with Coen wasn’t about his decision to leave—it was about how and when he made that choice.
Initially, Coen committed to the Buccanneers fans and players, texting organizational leadership, “I’m staying,” and giving everyone hope that stability would prevail. However, when the Jaguars restructured their front office and came back with a renewed offer, Coen abruptly changed course.
In a move that left many stunned, he reportedly stopped responding to calls, took a "secret meeting," and avoided the very people who championed his success in Tampa. By the next evening, Coen had accepted the head coaching role in Jacksonville, leaving the Bucs scrambling for answers—and a replacement.
This decision underscores the intricate balance at the heart of leadership: the tension between loyalty to an organization and the pursuit of personal ambition. Coen’s choice highlights the inherent challenge of reconciling immediate commitments with the allure of greater opportunities, a challenge that defines many pivotal moments in leadership journeys.
For the Buccaneers, this was a test of resilience. While Coen’s departure disrupted plans, it also underscored the team’s ability to foster talent sought after by others. As Head Coach Todd Bowles put it, “If they’re not talking about your guys for interviews, then you’re probably not doing it right.”
Todd Bowles understands firsthand how having someone open a door for you can lead to even greater opportunities—something he experienced under Bruce Arians' guidance.
Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles: Passing the Torch
Bruce Arians has always been known for his bold decisions and willingness to adapt. But his greatest legacy as a coach might not be his Super Bowl win—it’s his remarkable ability to embrace Perspective-Taking and make decisions based on what’s best for the team, even when it means stepping aside.
Throughout his career, Arians demonstrated a knack for adjusting his leadership style based on new challenges. He famously took a chance on Antonio Brown despite the wide receiver’s controversial past, trusting Tom Brady’s belief in Brown’s ability to contribute.
He brought future hall of famer Rob Gronkowski out of retirement, recognizing how Gronk’s unique skills and chemistry with Brady could elevate the offense.
Arians also showcased his mentorship by guiding running back Leonard Fournette through a challenging period. For example, after Week 14 of the 2020 season, Fournette was frustrated with his role and considered leaving the team. Arians had a candid conversation with him, emphasizing the importance of being "all in" and offering him a choice: commit fully or part ways. Fournette chose to stay, ultimately playing a pivotal role in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl run.
Despite his success, in 2022, Arians shocked the NFL by stepping down as head coach, believing the legacy he was building depended on the people he elevated. This wasn’t a decision driven by fatigue or pressure but by an unwavering belief in Todd Bowles. “This is the right time to pass the torch,” Arians explained, ensuring Bowles would inherit a team positioned for success, with Brady returning and a strong roster intact.
Arians’ leadership philosophy—grounded in selflessness and adaptability—paved the way for Bowles to build upon a foundation of trust and collaboration. His decision exemplified the power of looking beyond personal accolades to prioritize the team’s future.
This is why, even though Coen’s departure poses a challenge, it’s not unfamiliar territory for the Buccaneers. Their legacy of developing leaders who thrive elsewhere has become a defining feature of the organization’s culture, with no better example than Tony Dungy's coaching tree.
Tony Dungy: Cultivating a Legacy of Leaders
While Arians focused on elevating individuals within his team, Tony Dungy’s impact extended across the league, planting seeds that grew into a forest of leadership. As head coach of the Buccaneers from 1996 to 2001, Dungy laid the foundation for the team’s future success while also shaping the NFL as a whole.
Dungy’s coaching tree includes six head coaches—Mike Tomlin, Herm Edwards, Lovie Smith, Jim Caldwell, Rod Marinelli, and Leslie Frazier—along with influential coordinators like Frank Reich and Clyde Christensen.
Dungy also emphasized fostering diversity within the NFL. Nearly half of the minority head coaching hires in the past two decades can be traced back to his mentorship, a testament to his belief in creating opportunities for leaders from all backgrounds. For Dungy, this wasn’t just about building successful teams; it was about ensuring his legacy included opening doors for others and helping shape a more diverse future for the league.
When I think about the leadership impact of Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy on the Buccaneers, it reminds me that true leadership isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how the choices you make reflect the way you want to be remembered. Sometimes, those choices are bold and visionary. Other times, they’re simple yet significant—like when Maggie confidently declares her plans for the next day.
Closing Thoughts
As I tucked Maggie into bed that night, she looked up at me with her wide, curious eyes. “Daddy,” she said with a playful smile, “I made a decision like Coen did! I have decided to stay home from school tomorrow!”
I chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “Nice try, Maggie, but I don’t think that’s the legacy we’re aiming for.”
She giggled, and I kissed her forehead, thinking about how even at her age, she’s already learning about choices, growth, and her future.
I think that's what sports and the Buccaneers have shown us: leadership isn’t just about wins, titles, or even the immediate results—it’s about the legacy you choose to build.
For Coen, his decision might reflect ambition and a desire to rise through the ranks. For Bruce Arians, it was about empowering others to lead and leaving a team stronger than he found it. And for Tony Dungy, it was about building a foundation where others could thrive, carrying his values far beyond the field.
As I reflected on these examples, I thought about Maggie’s future and the choices she’ll face. My hope is that she’ll grow up understanding that leadership is about more than reaching the top—it’s about lifting others along the way. It’s about making decisions, even difficult ones, with integrity and purpose.
Because in the end, the greatest measure of success isn’t just what we accomplish—it’s the impact we leave behind and the legacy we pass on for others to build upon.
“What legacy will you choose to leave behind?”
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent any other individual, organization, or company. This content is intended for general knowledge and to highlight tools, techniques, and ideas that inspire positive change. Readers are encouraged to explore the topics further and form their own conclusions. This article was originally published on Speak4MC.com and is shared in collaboration with Bucs Report. The views expressed are solely those of the author.
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