The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently looking for a head coach after dismissing Doug Pederson. The search is less than two weeks old but has already taken several turns. Ben Johnson was originally the favorite to get the job but now is trending toward landing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
On the other hand, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is emerging as a realistic option. One thing that could ultimately play a massive role in the process is the status of general manager Trent Baalke. Based on a recent scoop, it could change.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports that owner Shad Khan is open to dismissing Baalke if a candidate has leverage and wants him gone.
"Jaguars owner Shad Khan has expressed some flexibility to coaching candidates on his decision to retain GM Trent Baalke. And my read on that is this: If a coach has the leverage to get what he wants from the team, then Khan could still pull the plug on Baalke."
This isn't necessarily breaking news. Even though Khan ousted Pederson, he chose to keep Baalke around because he believes that he's the right person to help steer the ship in the right direction. That said, this is a fluid situation, and the owner previously made it clear that he's willing to bring in another general manager if that's the best for the team.
Similarly, NFL insider Josina Anderson had previously reported that Khan was open to bringing in another executive who would directly report to him to operate alongside Baalke.
Removing Trent Baalke from the equation would make thingse easier for the Jaguars
On the one hand, Shad Khan deserves praise for keeping an open mind during the organization's coaching search. On the other hand, he would take care of the proverbial elephant in the room if he simply got rid of Trent Baalke.
One prominent candidate for the Jaguars' job says that he's less inclined to take it because of Baalke. It would be interesting to find out how many coaches feel that way about the controversial general manager.
Granted, Baalke doesn't have a bad track record in the draft, but his free-agency acquisitions have left much to be desired the past two years. But leaving aside his ability or lack thereof to replenish the roster, his combative personality will be a turnoff for potential candidates.
After all, he feuded with Pederson and his staff more than a few times. Add his less-than-stellar reputation across the league, and you will be hard-pressed to find many coaches who want to work with him. And those who do may not be among the top choices for the Jaguars' vacancy.
Heck, Ben Johnson already said that he will only work with a general manager whose vision aligns with his.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars would take a massive weight off their shoulder and become an even more enticing landing destination for prospective head coaches if they give Baalke his walking papers. You can give candidates all the draft picks, cap space, and players you want, but they won't be thrilled to come to work if their general manager routinely antagonizes them.
Simply put, the Jaguars can speed up their coaching search and land their preferred head coach if they pull the trigger.