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Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press defended her decision to offer Jaguars head coach Liam Coen words of encouragement during Sunday’s postgame press conference, responding to criticism from fellow journalists online.
Jones said she had not initially planned to attend the media availability following Jacksonville’s 27-24 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, she was encouraged to by another media member following the game.
“This entire city, this town, our team, our city, and our coach. We were overwhelmed,” Jones told WJXT Channel 4. “I really was not going to attend the press conference, but I was talking to a young man… He said, ‘Ma’am, Lisa, you need to go ahead and attend the press conference.’”
The moment that followed quickly went viral. After introducing herself, Jones addressed Coen, who appeared visibly deflated after a heartbreaking season-ending loss. “I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man,” she said. “You hold your head up, alright? You’ve had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today… Keep it going, we got another season.”
While some praised the gesture, others criticized it as crossing the line between journalism and fandom. Associated Press reporters John Wawrow and Mark Long publicly questioned the appropriateness of consoling a coach during a professional press conference, while ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor emphasized that postgame sessions are meant to provide clarity and insight, not emotional support.
Former NFL player LeSean McCoy also chimed in on social media, calling the interaction “little league” behavior.
Jones, however, said she took the backlash in stride.
“I really take no offense to it. Listen, I’ve been in this business more than 25 years. I’ve interviewed everyone from Barack Obama to Terry Bradshaw to Tiger Woods. So you can say whatever you want about fake news,” she explained.
The journalist emphasized her intentions behind the line of questioning, noting she wanted to uplift, not interrogate. “He was totally immersed in his feelings. He had tears, and bit his lip,” Jones said. “And the issue is the question, not necessarily a question in the fourth quarter… My question was, ‘Keep your head up, young man.’”
Social media response remains divided, though support poured in for Jones and her decades-long career in journalism. Many highlighted her track record of covering communities often overlooked by larger media outlets. The Jaguars themselves amplified the moment by sharing the clip, prompting fans to praise Jones for her empathy and sincerity.
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