JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Brad from The Avenues
Holy plot twist, Batman.
I'll assume you're referencing Thursday's news that the Jaguars were close to a deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to become the next head coach. Reports were that Coen was in Jacksonville Thursday night. These reports were from credible sources, and there's no reason to believe they're incorrect. This was the latest in a busy Jaguars week, with General Manager Trent Baalke and the team mutually parting ways Wednesday. There also were reports Thursday that former Jaguars left tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Boselli as of Thursday was officially involved in the search – and there's no reason to believe that is incorrect, either. This was a whirlwind day for this franchise, and apparently a successful one. Always remember: An NFL coaching search is never over until it's over, and this one wasn't over in recent days when naysayers were saying nay – as naysayers do. This isn't yet official, but it feels close. Really close. More on this to come. Obviously.
Bruce from St. Simons Island, GA
O, So a change in approach. Are the Jags focusing on a potential new coach that wants his own GM?
The Jaguars as of late, late Thursday night remained in what by any measure has been a newsworthy head-coaching search, with 10 candidates interviewed – and with Baalke's departure very definitely marking a change in approach. Such a major change at that stage of the process is nothing if not a major change in approach. As for whether Coen would want a certain general manager, I don't know that to be true. I know there have been a lot of reports that Coen didn't want to work with Baalke. However this appears, that's an assumption at this point – and not necessarily a correct one. It's also not necessarily that important so long as the Jaguars eventually landed on their desired head coach. It is safe to assume Coen would – and should – be involved when the Jaguars try to find the next person for general manager. That would be reasonable.
John from Jacksonville
"What's done, as they say, is done. What's important now is to get what's next right. The Jaguars don't necessarily have to hire a general manager before a head coach. They do necessarily have to make sure the next head coach is the right head coach – and that the next person/people overseeing decision-making is/are the right person/people. There's no reason that can't happen. I'm expecting good things. Maybe really good things. Stay tuned." I expect more ineptitude from the most inept owner in the NFL, the record speaks for itself.
Go Hickory.
Jason from Jacksonville
John, I wonder how the egg on Shad's face tasted? How embarrassing this abject failure in leadership must be for everyone associated with the franchise.
This email might have made sense had it been sent Wednesday. Or Thursday morning. Did you send it Wednesday? Or Thursday morning? It doesn't really make sense anymore.
JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL
No. 71 to the rescue. In Boselli We Trust!
One fer 71.
Kevin from Jacksonville
Tony Boselli for EVP? Really? Based on what qualifications?
There have been rumors for some time about Boselli being executive vice president for the Jaguars over football operations. I can tell you I have heard nothing that is anything close to official on this front. I can also tell you Boselli is part of the head-coaching search and I can tell you that gives me confidence in the search – and that I have complete confidence he will excel if he has a role in football operations moving forward.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
What an incredible act of "I was Wrong." I will Give Shad serious credit there. This is such an incredible story. The team was run by a guy that everyone in the league, outside of this building, wanted nothing to do with. Somehow Shad never saw it. It's REMARKABLE. I'm glad he finally gave in. This was the optics of the worst franchise in the NFL. Go us!
Go us.
Johnny from Jville
At least Khan finally closed the barn door, even if all the horses are gone.
Stop worrying about barn doors and horses. "Hot" horses" are the best-known and most-talked about horses. It doesn't make them the best horses. Or good horses. Hot horses finish last all the time and get fired after two or three seasons just like a lot of other horses. Mike Tomlin wasn't a hot horse. John Harbaugh wasn't a hot horse. Find the best horse. Forget hot.
Justin
I enjoy reading your column and want to remind Jaguar fans that even Dan Campbell, who took the Detroit Lions to a 15-2 record was the seventh-ranked head coaching hire in 2021 per Sports Illustrated. He wasn't the glamorous hire and only had experience as a tight ends coach and assistant with the New Orleans Saints. He wasn't the slam dunk the Lions fans wanted. They actually wanted Robert Saleh. I say that to my fellow Jaguar fans to say, have faith.
Well said.
Frank from Saint Augustine, FL
Johnny. What's the attitude like down there at the stadium right now? Or wherever team leadership and ownership hangs out? Is there embarrassment or frustration? Are they walking around with pride? Do they feel like they've let the fans down?
They're working to get the head-coaching hire right amid a general manager change. Their attitude is they want to get the structure right and get to work.
Luke from Brisbane, Australia
Wow. About a month too late, clearly, but a decision that had to be made in the best interests of all involved. Baalke does deserve credit for building the roster from a shambles to one that should be able to consistently compete against most teams, but whether it was perception or reality his ongoing presence was holding the Jags back. Onwards and hopefully upwards. Cheers.
This is about as fair an assessment of Baalke as I have read in a while.
Chic from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
I have to laugh at the "better late than never" comments. Anyone watching Khan's ownership knows that he's always too late.
I don't know who's laughing at what. I know the idea of a head coaching search is to get the right head coach, not to get a head coach first.
Kevin from Jacksonville
You're a clown. You have zero credibility at this point.
I am a delight.
Gary from Centerville, OH
Every year there are one or two coordinators that are the "hot" name for head coaching positions. Coaches like Eric Bieniemy, Josh McDaniels, Byron Leftwich, amongst others. Sometimes, these "hot" candidates are just better suited as coordinators while others end up being terrific head coaches. I wonder if we look back at the last ten years, how many of that year's top candidates ended up with a successful head coaching career?
It would be like any other such grouping – i.e., "offensive" or "defensive" coach, first-time or second-head coach. This is because being the "hot name" usually means having coordinated a really good offense or defense, or being around a really good team. People assume that a coach around a good offense, a good defense or good team means you're going to be a good head coach. Sometimes it does mean the coach is good. Other times it's because they've been in a good situation – and around good players. But it's always coaching in the NFL.
Rob from Orange Park, FL
So, why didn't Shad say that Trent's presence was a hinderance to getting a new coach rather than a help or do you think he was fired for another reason?
What benefit would there be to that? Baalke and the Jaguars mutually parted ways.
Brian from Gainesville, FL
Big O, most insiders have reported that the top choice for new coach was now new Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson. Assuming that's true, how does the PR team present the hiring of the eventual hire? Do they just say they got their top guy irrespective of whether it's true? Seems like an insult to the intelligence of the fans. But also, what else can they do?
The Jaguars' "PR team" won't "present" this. The decision-makers will say they are pleased with their selection because they presumably will be pleased with their selection. As far as reported top choices, remember: A person can be a top choice when an interview process begins and not be the top choice or the right choice once it begins. The process is the process. Be wary of those prejudging.
Taj from Fairfax, VA
Most of the times you end a response with "stay tuned" something big happens in the organization. Is this a coincidence, or is it your way of letting readers know that you're privy to information that readers would love to know, but you can't fully discuss at the moment?
I can't discuss it at the moment.
