Jaguars’ head coaching tracker, search running course

Giving Urban Meyer the papers in December gave the Jacksonville Jaguars a head start on their head coaching search. While the process is currently underway and it will be days before it’s finalized, it looks like it’s taking shape and the Jags are zeroing in on a few candidates.

This past Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reported the Jaguars’ search was expected to last another week and a half to two weeks before they settle on someone. He added that a second round of interviews is expected So far, they have met with most candidates on their list, with interviews with Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett and Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus scheduled for Friday and Saturday respectively, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Here’s a list of all the candidates for the Jaguars’ head coaching vacancy.

• Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson
• Former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich
• Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett
• Former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien
• Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
• Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

The Jags have already with Caldwell, Pederson, Bowles, Leftwich, O’Brien, and Moore and it looks like Eberflus and Hackett are the only ones missing. At this point, it’s unlikely that other candidates, such as former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, will surface in the process.

Update Jan. 18th. Bill O’Brien is “unlikely to be” the Jaguars’ choice per Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. Also, the Jaguars are expected to conduct a second interview with Matt Eberflus Thursday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.

The Jaguars will be narrowing down their search soon.

If the Jaguars conduct a second round of interviews, those that aren’t part of the process will most likely be eliminated from the process. While there are several days left before the organization comes up with a decision, it looks like three candidates are separating themselves from the bunch and those are Leftwich, Bill O’Brien, and Doug Pederson.

One thing to keep an eye on is the presence of general manager Trent Baalke, who could affect the search due to his reputation around his league. Even though Jaguars fans have been vocal about their disapproval for Baalke, owner Shad Khan seems intent on keeping him around. Having said that, there hasn’t been a formal announcement and things could change, although it’s unlikely.

The Jaguars will have their third head coach in as many years. They need to get it right this time if they want to start winning games and not hinder Trevor Lawrence’s early development. This post will be updated in case there are any news regarding Jacksonville’s head coaching search, so make sure that you bookmark it.