Reporter Doesn't Regret Praising Jaguars Coach After Playoff Loss: 'Get Over It'
It was the pep talk that ricocheted across the internet. In the wake of the Jacksonville Jaguars' gut-wrenching loss Sunday to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL Wild Card Round, head coach Liam Coen fielded a question from a sympathetic home reporter.
Rather than pepper Coen about his team's 27–24 defeat, Lynn Jones of the Jacksonville Free Press offered him praise.
“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man," she said in the now-viral exchange. "You hold your head up, alright? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, okay? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season, okay? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”
The comment gained traction when shared by NFL Insider Adam Schefter. "This is an awesome post-game exchange between a reporter and Jaguars HC Liam Coen," he posted.
But many sportswriters did not agree.
This is an awesome post-game exchange between a reporter and Jaguars HC Liam Coen: pic.twitter.com/FwE8aRFaaR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2026
Actually, it’s pathetic. https://t.co/alfTef9B8X
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 11, 2026
There’s no winning by disputing this and I should probably just sit it out. But here goes. People will all side with the fan complimenting the coach. That said, stunned to see a reporter encouraging this.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 12, 2026
Post game presser isn’t the place for pompoms. It’s a work place. You want… https://t.co/u7vLnhl6do
What would give you the impression that was a reporter? https://t.co/iUgfTcp7K6
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 11, 2026
Awesome? Are you serious. That’s not a reporter. That person shouldn’t even have a credential. Schefter once was a real reporter. If he thinks this is cool, he’s totally lost his way. https://t.co/F9l088Sy6X
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) January 12, 2026
Now, after two days of uproar, Jones is speaking out and defending herself.
What Is Lynn Jones Saying?
A 30-year journalism vet, Jones is an associate editor at the Jacksonville Free Press, a Black weekly. In an interview on News4JAX, the long-time reporter defended her record.
She says the criticism doesn't bother her. "I take no offense to it," she said. "I’ve been in this business for 25 years. I’ve interviewed [people] from Barack Obama to Terry Bradshaw to Tiger Woods."
She continued with a run down of her credentials.
"I am a member of the Black Press, NNPA, National Newspaper Association. It’s been around more than 100 years," she added. " I’m an associate editor of the Jacksonville Free Press, one of more than 230 African-American newspapers still printing in this country today."
A Detroit native, Jones said in a separate interview that Jacksonville is her spiritual home. She's been covering the Jaguars since their inaugural season in 1995, when the famously mercurial Tom Coughlin was head coach
Jones believes her resume speaks for itself.
"Support the Black Press," she added. "You can call me fake all you want to, honey. I’ve been doing this a long time.”
The Sports Media needs MORE people like Lynn Jones. Also, next time you twist your mouth to talk out of the pocket to call some fake media, you might want to check their credentials. That is what AP says do, right? pic.twitter.com/GW5McYljca
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) January 12, 2026
Message to Critics
When speaking with PIX11 in New York, Jones said she believes her message of positivity needs to be heard.
"Get over it! Get over it if it’s negative," she said. "Keep your head up and get in the game. A lot of young people heard that message. A lot of adults heard that message. It’s time to keep your head up. It’s a nice year. Keep your head up in every aspect of your life."
She certainly seems to be following her advice.