**BREAKING NEWS: Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen Invests \$3.6 Million to Transform Mansion Into Shelter for Homeless Youth**
*JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — May 16, 2025*
In an extraordinary act of generosity and social responsibility, Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen has announced a personal investment of \$3.6 million to convert a historic mansion in downtown Jacksonville into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The move comes in response to a deeply troubling incident involving a group of unsheltered teens earlier this year that Coen said “shook me to my core.”
The shelter, named **“The Lighthouse Project,”** will provide emergency housing, mental health services, job training, mentorship, and education support for vulnerable young people ages 13–21. Coen, just months into his tenure as head coach of the Jaguars, has already made headlines for his leadership on the field — but this off-the-field initiative is capturing hearts far beyond the sports world.
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### A Coach’s Calling Beyond Football
Liam Coen, the former University of Kentucky offensive coordinator and rising star in the coaching world, took the reins of the Jaguars earlier this year following the departure of Doug Pederson. Known for his offensive acumen and energetic approach to leadership, Coen has been praised for quickly building rapport with players and staff. But even in his short time in Jacksonville, he’s been vocal about his desire to make a meaningful impact on the community.
“I came here to win football games,” Coen said during an emotional press conference Friday morning. “But I also came here because I saw a city full of heart — and heart means more than what happens on Sunday.”
Coen said the idea for the shelter was sparked by a March incident in which five teenagers were found sleeping in an abandoned building just a few blocks from EverBank Stadium. The teens were discovered in dire conditions, malnourished and suffering from exposure. The story, which received only limited local media attention at the time, “never left” Coen’s mind.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” he said. “I kept asking myself, ‘How can we coach kids through tough games when there are kids out here with nowhere to sleep?’ Something had to change.”
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### The Lighthouse Project: A Beacon of Hope
The mansion Coen purchased is a 14,000-square-foot, 1920s-era estate on Riverside Avenue — once a symbol of wealth in the city’s historic district. Now, thanks to Coen’s vision and financial commitment, it’s being transformed into a lifeline for those most in need.
The Lighthouse Project is slated to open in late 2025 and will include:
* **32 beds** for emergency and transitional housing
* **On-site counselors and mental health professionals**
* **A full-service kitchen and communal dining area**
* **Classrooms for GED and vocational training**
* **A computer lab and study spaces**
* **A fitness room and recreation space**
* **Partnerships with local employers and schools for mentorship and job placement**
Coen has partnered with several local nonprofits, including *Changing Homelessness* and *Youth Crisis Center of Jacksonville*, to staff and manage the day-to-day operations.
“I’m not a social worker, I’m a football coach,” Coen said, “but I can’t turn a blind eye to this. If we want to change lives, we need to meet people where they are. For these kids, that starts with a bed, a meal, and someone who believes in them.”
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### Community Reaction: “A Defining Moment”
City officials, community leaders, and NFL players alike have lauded Coen’s commitment as an example of authentic leadership.
Mayor Donna Deegan issued a statement Friday afternoon: “Coach Coen has shown the kind of compassion and courage that makes Jacksonville stronger. The Lighthouse Project will not only save lives — it will change the trajectory of countless futures.”
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence tweeted, *“Proud to have a coach who cares about people the way Coach Coen does. Football is important, but this? This is legacy stuff.”*
Former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor called the initiative “a defining moment” for the franchise and the city. “We’ve had great athletes and coaches come through this town, but Liam’s doing something that transcends sports,” Taylor said. “This is humanity. This is what leadership looks like.”
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### Players Inspired to Get Involved
Several Jaguars players have already expressed interest in supporting the Lighthouse Project. Linebacker Devin Lloyd has committed to mentoring youth at the center on a weekly basis during the offseason, while wide receiver Christian Kirk has pledged a \$100,000 donation toward technology and learning equipment.
“We’re not just building a football team,” Coen said. “We’re building a culture that stands for something bigger than the game.”
Coen also mentioned the possibility of team-wide volunteer days and service-learning programs that would allow rookies and veterans alike to engage with community development work.
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### A Larger Message to the League
In a league where headlines are often dominated by trades, injuries, and controversies, Coen’s actions have sent a resounding message about the potential for NFL leadership to extend beyond the gridiron.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Coen’s initiative, stating: “This is an example of how our league’s leaders can use their platform to effect real and lasting change. Coach Coen’s vision for the Lighthouse Project is inspiring, and we applaud his dedication to the Jacksonville community.”
NFLPA President JC Tretter added: “It’s one thing to talk about social impact. It’s another to make a multi-million-dollar personal investment to back it up. Coach Coen is setting a new standard.”
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### What’s Next?
Construction on the Lighthouse Project is expected to begin in July, with architectural plans designed to preserve the building’s historic character while updating it to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. Coen has stated that he’ll be personally involved in the renovation process, even helping with design decisions.
“I want this place to feel like home,” he said. “Not just a place to sleep — a place to dream.”
As for how this effort might influence other NFL cities, Coen is hopeful but humble: “I didn’t do this to make headlines. I did this because I saw a need, and I had the means to do something about it. If that inspires someone else to take action — even better.”
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### Final Thoughts
With a bold gesture that combines financial commitment, social awareness, and deep compassion, Liam Coen has instantly established himself not only as a coach with vision, but as a citizen with heart. The Lighthouse Project is more than a shelter — it is a powerful reminder that even in a world driven by competition and results, humanity must come first.
As the Jaguars prepare for a new era on the field, thei
r head coach has already scored one of the most meaningful victories off of it.
**END**
