Jacksonville reporter’s words to Jaguars coach go viral after defeat

On Wild Card Weekend, the Jacksonville Jaguars came up short in a wild, back-and-forth playoff game with the Buffalo Bills, ending a potential Super Bowl run for the home team, which went from 4-13 a year ago to 13-4 in the regular season this year under first-year NFL head coach Liam Coen.

On an emotional day for fans, players and coaches alike, it was a moment after the game, before the cameras at Coen’s press conference, that garnered the attention of fans and journalists across the nation.

Not Coen’s decision try for a first down instead of attempting a field goal. Not kicker Cam Little’s first field goal miss in 20 attempts. Not the Jaguars defense giving up a 10-play, 90-yard drive by the Bills after a turnover on downs by Jacksonville.

Instead, it was a moment of “humanity,” as described by some, between Coen and a credentialed member of the Jacksonville press, captured in a now-viral video shared everywhere from social media to the CBS Evening News.

In the video, Jacksonville Free Press journalist Lynn Jones-Turpin didn’t ask Coen a question; she offered him consolation and encouragement. Lauded by fans and some high-profile media personalities, Jones-Turpin’s remarks were criticized by some reporters as unprofessional.

Here’s what you should know about the exchange and the woman behind it.

What did Lynn Jones-Turpin say at the Jaguars press conference?

“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man,” Jones-Turpin said. “You hold your head up, alright? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. So you just hold your head up, OK? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval. You’re the one. Alright? You keep it going. We got another season. Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”

Throughout Jones’ comments, Coen thanked her at least seven times.

Who is Lynn Jones-Turpin, the Jacksonville reporter who spoke at the Jaguars press conference?

Lynn Jones, also known as Lynn Jones-Turpin, is a veteran journalist and Associate Editor of the Jacksonville Free Press. She recently made headlines after going viral for offering Jacksonville Jaguars Coach Liam Coen words of encouragement — rather than a question — during a post-game press conference following the team’s playoff loss. Her action sparked a national conversation about journalistic ethics and professionalism.

Jones has more than 25 years of experience in journalism. She has been with the Jacksonville Free Press since 2008 and previously worked with the Jaguars organization in 1995 as an administrative assistant. Her career reflects deep ties to both the local media landscape and the city’s sports community.

What is the Jacksonville Free Press?

The Jacksonville Free Press (JFP) is a longtime weekly Black newspaper serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. First published in September 1986, the paper is recognized as “Florida’s First Coast’s only quality Black weekly.” Founded by Rita Carter Perry, the Free Press was created to inform, uplift, and advocate for the African-American community.

The publication covers local and national news, entertainment, and community issues with a strong focus on Black life, leadership, and civic engagement. While based in Jacksonville, its reach extends across Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties in Florida, as well as St. Marys, Brunswick, and King’s Bay in Georgia.

The Jacksonville Free Press is published weekly and distributed primarily through subscriptions, with additional availability at newspaper stands and community locations throughout the city.

What did Jaguars fans say about Lynn Jones-Turpin’s comments?

In the post shared by the team to social media, many Jaguars fans were appreciative and supportive of Jones-Turpin’s comments and echoed her sentiments.

Here’s a sample.

When was the last time you heard a journalist take their question and turn it into a praise ❤️. Spoken for all of Duuuval — Wendy Bourgholtzer

Auntie just made me tear up — Mr’getrite Marino

She gets dibs on any questions or interviews over anyone else for the rest of her career. She’s Team Auntie now. — Justin Rainey

Lynn Jones idk you personally but THANK YOU for speaking life into this man. You can tell he coaches with PASSION and needed to hear those words 💛🐆 It was always the Jags! — Lily Dempsey

What critics are saying about Lynn Jones-Turpin’s comments to Liam Coen

ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter — who called the post-game exchange “awesome” — shared a video of the exchange between Jones and Coen in a post to X on Sunday afternoon, drawing a mix of comments. Several sports reporters criticized Jones’ comments.

Among them:

Very nice exchange. Wouldn’t call it an exchange between a reporter and the coach, though. Uplifting the head coach after a loss is not part of a sports reporter’s job — Ian Begley, NBA reporter for SNY

This is not awesome. This is called being a cheerleader. Reporters should be in PR if they want to carry on like this. — Brandon Warne, Sportradar writer

There’s a time and place for that. The podium is not it. — Will Kunkel, former sports director for Houston’s FOX 26

This female reporter encouraging Jacksonville Jaguars HC Liam Coen after their heartbreaking Wild Card loss vs Buffalo Bills, is being applauded by sports media, but this is unprofessional. Your job is not to turn a presser into an affirmation circle, no matter how good your intention. You can tell him this off to the side, or just text him or PR to pass it on to him. Time is limited. Make it about asking good questions. — Jon Root, who previously covered San Jose Sharks

Mark Long, who’s covered the Jaguars, Gators and other North Florida sports teams for decades for the Associated Press, and was in the room during the press conference, also disagreed with Schefter’s comment, writing in an X post: “Nothing ‘awesome’ about fans/fake media doing stuff like that. It should be embarrassing for the people who credentialed her and her organization, and it’s a waste of time for those of us actually working.”

Reporter’s comments draw national and international coverage

Following the viral video interaction, the story has been picked up by numerous media outlets, both national and international, including The Athletic at the New York Times, Fox News, Daily Mail, Sports Illustrated, The New York Post, and People, among others.

How did Lynn Jones-Turpin respond to criticism regarding interaction with coach Cohen after Jaguars loss?

According to First Coast News, Jones said the moment wasn’t planned.

“I didn’t come with a question,” she said. “The game was over. The season was over. I didn’t see a reason to dissect plays.”

She explained that the mood in the room felt heavy, and when the microphone reached her, she spoke instinctively.

“It just flowed,” Jones said. “I saw he was hurting, holding this city on his shoulders.”

Despite the mixed reactions, Jones said she’s humbled by the attention. She’s even been given a nickname, “Duval Granny,” a title she’s embraced.

For her, the moment wasn’t about controversy, but about speaking life.

“Get your head up. Stay focused,” she said. “Don’t let anyone take you off your track.’

See how Lynn Jones-Turpin responds to being called ‘fake media’

During an interview with News4Jax on January 12, Lynn Jones-Turpin dismissed criticism, saying, “Support the Black Press. You can call me fake all you want, honey. I’ve been doing this a long time.”

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Why a Jacksonville reporter’s words to Liam Coen went viral nationwide

Jacksonville reporter’s words to Jaguars coach go viral after defeat

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