Liam Coen‘s decision to pass on a second Jaguars HC interview, and thus remove himself from consideration for the open job, looks to have been significant. Hours later, Shad Khan reversed course on his plans with Trent Baalke. The veteran GM is out, leaving more questions in Jacksonville.
Baalke’s presence had been seen as a deterrent within the Jaguars’ coaching search. Would removing the GM mean Coen could move back into play? It doesn’t appear that may occur, with the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud reporting the Buccaneers‘ OC is anticipated to sign his extension today.
Prior to Khan’s decision in addition Baalke, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler noted Bills OC Joe Brady can be a reputation to observe in light of the Bucs play-caller bowing out. The young assistant impressed in his virtual meeting. Indeed, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport adds the Jags’ list of second interviews is anticipated to incorporate Brady and Eagles OC Kellen Moore. As of now, the Jags’ finalists include Robert Saleh and Patrick Graham. Each will conduct their second interviews this week. The Athletic’s Michael Silver initially indicated the search will expand beyond these two.
The prospect of a second Jags run at Coen would make sense, however the retooling organization has some issues to sort out. And Coen may perhaps be eyeing a spot on the 2026 HC carousel moderately than seeing where the Jaguars are at GM once they launch a search. A brand new GM may be the team’s second priority now, as Bovada’s Josina Anderson indicating the franchise is considering just a few scenarios when it comes to the way to proceed with its HC and GM spots. If nothing else, the Jags could also be OK hiring a head coach before a general manager.
Given this 12 months’s remaining candidates, it could be a bit surprising if the Jags gave their next head coach power over a GM. Baalke held roster control following Urban Meyer‘s firing, however it is fairly clear the recently fired GM’s presence was, very like in 2022, not helping attract candidates. Although Khan gave Meyer power in 2021, he had pursued the formerly successful college HC for some time. That have going so poorly may perhaps influence Khan to maintain a standard power structure post-Baalke, however the Jags are in need of an answer after Coen and Ben Johnson turned them down.
So far as replacing Baalke goes, no known candidates have emerged. The Jets are the opposite team looking, after the Titans (Mike Borgonzi) and Raiders (John Spytek) have made their decisions. Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark appeared the favourite for the Jets’ job, but Trey Brown and Darren Mougey are still in the combo; each will conduct second interviews today. Newmark could also be in play for the Jags, ESPN.com’s Wealthy Cimini writes, however it just isn’t known if a candidate that had been linked to following Johnson to Las Vegas after which join Aaron Glenn in Latest York can be coveted without the presence of an ex-Lions staffer.
After Baalke’s 2024 extension spree preceded a 4-13 season and a whole overhaul, the Jags are in the bizarre spot of getting paid a possible franchise QB (Trevor Lawrence) while carrying HC and GM vacancies. The Chargers managed to search out good solutions here when on this spot last 12 months, but they’d vacancies from the beginning and used Justin Herbert‘s presence to draw Jim Harbaugh. After Coen and Johnson didn’t see enough positives about Jacksonville’s situation, will Lawrence help sway Brady or Moore?
