JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …

Matt from Jacksonville

KOAF, when it comes to the head coach search … copy/paste much?

You're perchance referencing me repeating in the O-Zone each day recently that the Jaguars have interviewed a certain number of head coaching candidates. As of Thursday morning, that list is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, former New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen. They also are still expected to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Why repeat these daily? Because not all fans follow all stories with equal attention and – perhaps somewhat inexplicably – not all fans read the O-Zone daily. The thought is to ensure O-Zone readers know the candidates daily – as it remains a lengthy list. Call it my nod to daily completeness. Or something to that effect.

Marcus from Jacksonville

I recently heard a former NFL Pro Bowler say he never needed a coach – whether a head coach, coordinator, or position coach – to motivate him to play. He was always motivated to play, he just needed a coach to give him the tools to be great and put him in position to win. I think a fundamental change in culture has led us to a place where many players (not all) do need that motivation, which makes coaches that much more vital. I know the joke is, "It's always coaching in the NFL," but do you think that coaching is more important now than ever before because players aren't as internally motivated as generations past? I think it's more about coaching now than ever before, because young men need leadership and motivation and vision casting more than ever. Or maybe I'm just a grumpy old man.

There may be something to this. I tend to see the NFL through the lens of the former Pro Bowl selection – that it's a player's league and it's a coach's job to put players in position to succeed or fail. I also believe players ultimately have the responsibility to prepare and be great – and to make the plays that decide games – and that coaching is more a supplementary role than a deciding one. I'm in the minority, but that's OK. How a position coach is to receive blame or credit for a great or lousy play is beyond my abilities to understand. Do young men need leadership, motivation and "vision casting" more than ever? Perhaps. I'll let you know if I ever care enough to figure out what the hell "vision casting" means.

Donny from Heathrow, FL, Section 37, Day 2

Mr. Oehser, I've been a season-ticket holder from the get-go in 1995. The last 24 years I've driven two hours each way to the home games. Over the years I've moved my seats from the upper level nose bleeds, to lower level seats and eventually into the East Club seats. I've averaged going to one away game each year (London twice). I estimate that I've spent about $200,000 being a diehard Jags fan the last 30-plus years along with all the time and emotions I've devoted to this team. My point is that I have as much of a reason to whine, complain and snivel as all the fans you allow to vent in this forum. And I choose not to … because the Jags and Owner Shad Khan don't owe me a thing other than to keep trying! And anyone who thinks Mr. Khan isn't trying to win must believe the earth is flat as well. I put my passion and money where my fandom is and there are only two reasons that I would not renew my season tickets. One would be if I determined that the team wasn't trying to win and was losing on purpose for any reason. The second would be if I determined that Mr. Khan was listening to the fans in making important football decisions. In the meantime. I'm planning to move my seats from the 40-yard line to seats that come available on the 50!

I thank you. The Jaguars thank you. We all thank you.

P Funk from Murray Hill

I know we will have some turnover on the roster but in your O-pinion what does our next coach need to do differently than former Head Coach Doug Pederson to get better results on the field?

Run better, stop the run more consistently, get better big-moment play from the quarterback position and get more game-changing plays from all players at big moments.

George from Harrisburg, PA

John, does any current player on the Jaguars' roster receive the franchise tag?

Defensive end Travon Walker as a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft is eligible to receive the franchise tag from the Jaguars this offseason. If Walker doesn't sign a long-term extension before then, I expect he will receive the tag. Linebacker Devin Lloyd as a first-round selection in the same draft also will be eligible for the franchise tag if he doesn't sign a long-term extension this offseason. I would be surprised if either happens in Lloyd's case. (Editor's note: both Walker and Lloyd are eligible for a fifth-year option this offseason, with the team's deadline of May 1 to decide.)

Lawrence from Blair, NE

I wouldn't mind Johnson being hired, although oddly I heard his interview maybe didn't go so great. But the more I read and hear about Glenn, the more I think he's the best candidate for this team, if not the entire cycle. He has an aura that he is a leader of men. He has been clear that he's a football coach, not a "defensive guy." That's what this team needs right now more than anything, not a flashy offense, but balance. Do you still think Johnson would be the best candidate? Have you heard any whispers about how the first round of interviews has gone so far, that you can share with us?

I like the idea of Glenn, Monken and Johnson. I like Glenn for essentially the reasons you cite, and I like Monken because I've heard good things about him from people who know him. I like Johnson because he seems uber-qualified and he seems like a sharp, young mind. I also wouldn't mind Saleh for similar reasons that Glenn is appealing.

Kathy from Palm Coast, FL

Just wondering if you get tired of being the chief "defender" of various players and coaches. First it was quarterback Trevor Lawrence, then it was Doug, and now it's Shad. Wouldn't it be fun to be the cheerleader for a change?

I don't know what "defender" or "cheerleader" means. People ask questions. I answer. That's it. That's this forum.

Mike from Jax

The Jags have been in a funk. You are the King of all Funk. Please banish them from your Kingdom (as soon as ASAP)!

What?

Jason from Jacksonville

John, Multiple sources are claiming Robert Saleh is the leading candidate to be the Jags' next head coach. Why? Is it because he did such a good developing Zach Wilson, or that the Jets had one of the worst offenses while he was there or because he went 20-36 during his tenure or is it because he's the only one that will work with Baalke? I thought we were going to get the best candidate not someone with a record of failure. Shad is proving once again he knows very little about football and is incapable of making good football decisions.

It's true that Saleh is a candidate for the Jaguars' head coaching position. I don't know that the idea that he's the leading candidate holds as much truth. Remember: When the Jaguars hire a head coach, there's going to be a lot of focus on the coach's record at his last stop, or his offensive/defensive ranking at his last stop, or the perceived details of his relationship with General Manager Trent Baalke. While those will be high-profile issues, they will matter far less than the head coach's leadership ability, the players' belief in that ability and the ability for the head coach to put a staff in place that can do whatever developing a coach can do with players. One final thought: Before we assume what Khan or isn't proving, perhaps we can wait until there's real proof that we actually know what he's doing.

* *Gary from St. Augustine, FL**

Even when the Jaguars don't have a head coach, you still suck.

There it is.

Matthew from Charles city

Mason Graham getting a consistent pass rush i think is huge help on defense or McMillan want to help the qb btj and him especially if oline can get back to old days one word scary can't double both! Way to early consensus? Or even a debate i think not

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