Not long after introducing Liam Coen as their head coach, the Jacksonville Jaguars began their search for coordinators on both sides of the ball. While they've interviewed several candidates for their defensive coordinator position, they've only met with Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase for their offensive coordinator job.
Make no mistake, Scheelhaase is an up-and-coming coach. Before joining the Rams, he spent several years at Iowa State, where he worked his way up to offensive coordinator. Once he was at the helm, the Cyclones offense showed noticeable improvement.
Scheelhaase joined the Rams last year and helped their offense stay afloat while star receivers Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp missed time with injuries. Granted, the Jags aren't the only team making a run for the ascending coach. The Buccaneers also interviewed him for their offensive coordinator vacancy after losing Liam Coen to * checks notes * the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, there's a chance Jacksonville will meet with other candidates for the job, but if the organization ends up hiring Scheelhaase, these pending Rams free agency could follow him to Duval.
Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback
The Jaguars traded for Mac Jones last year because they wanted to upgrade the backup position behind Trevor Lawrence. Although the former Alabama product struggled in relief of Lawrence, he got a bit better once he got comfortable.
All things considered, Jones did fine for a backup, and Jacksonville might want to bring him back. That said, he's slated to become a free agent and may want to compete for a starting job, something he may not be able to do with Lawrence in the fold.
If Jones leaves, the Jags could go after Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency. He's got starting experience and was one overthrown pass of helping the San Francisco 49ers win a Super Bowl. In Jacksonville, Jimmy G wouldn't need to start. Moreover, his presence would allow the team's brass to draft a young quarterback to develop late in the draft.
Tutu Atwell, wide receiver
The Jaguars claimed Josh Reynolds off waivers last year and they could target another Rams receiver in 2025. Granted, Reynolds last played in Los Angeles back in 2020, but he's certainly acquainted with Sean McVay's system.
Anyway, the Jags could bring in another receiver who's played for McVay. This time, though, it would be Tutu Atwell, who hauled in a career-best 42 catches for 562 yards with no scores last year. The former Louisville Cardinal, unlike Reynolds, can line up in the slot and his versatility could come in handy in Liam Coen's offense.
Even though Atwell wouldn't probably have a featured role in Jacksonville, he would provide insurance in case Gabe Davis doesn't bounce back from an underwhelming 2024.
Joe Noteboom, offensive lineman
If the Jaguars hadn't signed left tackle Walker Little to a three-year deal worth $45 million, Alaric Jackson would have been an intriguing target in free agency. However, they're no longer in need of a blindside protector for Steezy Trev. Having said that, Jacksonville will still need depth at the position after trading Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Sure, Cole Van Lanen filled in for Little late in the season but is a restricted free agent. There's a strong chance the team's brass will re-sign him to a one-year, but it may also want to explore other options. Sophomore Javon Foster is also in the mix but left much to be desired as a rookie.
If the Jaguars want to look for outside options to provide depth on the edges, they could then go after Joe Noteboom, a 2018 third-round selection who has appeared in 71 games with 35 starts for the Rams.
Noteboom won't turn heads with his play but would fortify the depth in the offensive trenches if he followed Nate Scheelhaase to Jacksonville.