The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently in the process of finding their next general manager. It hasn't been nearly as chaotic as their search for a head coach, but it hasn't had a lack of intrigue. Already, they've interviewed several candidates and should soon settle on one. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently shared a couple of updates on the ongoing search.
The Jags met with several candidates for the job in recent days. Among those who interviewed are Los Angeles Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander, New York Assistant general manager Brandon Brown, Buffalo Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray, Cincinnati Bengals senior personnel executive Trey Brown, and Los Angeles Rams director of scouting strategy James Gladstone.
Fowler then reported that Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham will also interview. He added in a later tweet that interim Ethan Waugh is a strong in-house candidate for the opening and Green Bay Packers vice president Jon-Eric Sullivan could be in the mix.
Interim GM Ethan Waugh is a strong in-house candidate for the job, and #Packers VP Jon-Eric Sullivan is also a name I've heard as a potential candidate that could be in the mix. https://t.co/jOGl9pPH9B
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 13, 2025
So far, the Jaguars candidates have met with all the candidates they've been linked with. Before the officially began the process, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated discussed Robinson, Waugh, and Cunningham as three names to keep an eye on.
Although Robinson wasn't part of the first round of requests Jacksonville put in, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports later broke the news that he was slated to interview for the vacancy. More recently, Breer said on his mailbag that Cunningham is interested in the vacancy.
As of this writing, Cunningham hasn't met with the Jaguars' brass, but it's probably a matter of time before he does. Similarly, it wouldn't be shocking if they placed a request to meet with Eric-Sullivan.
Originally, Eric-Sullivan joined the Packers as a training camp intern but worked his way up the ranks and was named vice president of player personnel in 2021. He's held that position ever since.
The Jaguars are leaving no stone unturned in their GM search
You could make the case that the Jacksonville Jaguars keep adding names to their list of candidates because they're not thrilled with the ones they've met. Heck, some of the ones they've interviewed may leave a bit to be desired. However, they should be commended for ensuring they run an exhaustive search and find the best possible candidate.
Think about it, early on, Ian Cunningham appeared to be the favorite, but James Gladstone's candidacy has gained traction as of late. That wouldn't have happened if the Jags had run a limited search. Granted, meeting with Jon Robinson raised a few eyebrows because of the way his stint with the Tennessee Titans ended. That said, it never hurts to do due diligence and see the thought process candidates employed or plan to employ.
Of course, the Jaguars must operate with a sense of urgency. While Ethan Waugh has running the front office, they'll need a general manager for free agency and the draft. Fortunately, it looks like the team will soon wrap up the process. Eugene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union reports that the Jags will have a general manager in place by the end of next week.
Team source says #Jaguars hope to have a GM named by end of next week. May have as many as 5 finalists, including Ethan Waugh.
— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) February 13, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars may already have a general manager if they hadn't waited to fire Trent Baalke. However, it's fair to say that they've conducted a fruitful search.