US EditionEncouraging Exchange Between Reporter, Jags Coach Goes Viral, Sparks Debate over News Conference ‘Professionalism’
Lynn Jones-Turpin, with over 30 years in journalism, defended her supportive remarks to Jaguars coach Liam Coen after a 13-win season despite criticism from some sports reporters.
- On Sunday, Jacksonville Free Press associate editor Lynn Jones-Turpin took the microphone at the Jaguars' postgame press conference and offered encouragement to coach Liam Coen after the Wild Card loss, a clip that went viral online.
- Jones-Turpin told News4JAX on Monday that she almost didn't attend but was urged to return and spoke instinctively as Coen seemed emotionally immersed; she has covered the Jaguars since their 1995 inaugural season and worked in Duval County for over 20 years.
- Critics such as Mark Long argued credentialed reporters should ask game-related questions, while defenders including Pat McAfee and Bernice King publicly supported Jones-Turpin on Monday.
- The Jaguars amplified the moment by posting the full clip on their social channels, while Lynn Jones-Turpin invited inquiries about her credentials and said she is humbled.
- Commentators urged support for The Black Press, noting over 230 Black newspapers like the Jacksonville Free Press still print.
17 Articles
17 Articles
'I Said What I Wanted': Veteran Journalist Lynn Jones Pushes Back At Critics After Viral Jaguars Press Conference
The press conference following the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 27–24 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, sparked a viral moment between first-year head coach Liam Coen and a veteran journalist. As Coen stood before reporters to discuss the defeat that ended a 13–4 season, he was met with unexpected commentary from longtime […] The post ‘I Said What I Wanted’: Veteran Journalist Lynn Jones Pushes Back At Critics After Viral Jagu…
Florida Reporter Fires Back At Media Members Angry At Her For Giving Words Of Encouragement To Jags HC Liam Coen
Jacksonville reporter Lynn Jones is firing back at other media members who are critical of her comments towards Jags coach Liam Coen at a press conference. On Sunday, Jones went viral after offering the rookie head coach words of encouragement following the Jags’ heartbreaking playoff loss to the Bills. ‘You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. And you did a great job out there today.’ ‘So you just hold your…
A Jacksonville journalist brings humanity to an NFL Press Conference
A reporter offered up encouragement to an NFL head coach after a devastating playoff loss. The Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in the Wild Card playoff on Sunday at Everbank Stadium. You would think this team’s loss would make the rounds on social media, but it was what happened after the game […]
Jacksonville reporter responds to backlash over polarizing exchange with Jaguars coach
Lynn Jones-Turpin bucked traditional press conference procedure and instead of asking a question, she used the moment to tell Coen, in his first year as head coach of the Jags, “congratulations on your success, young man.”
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