The Jacksonville Jaguars were widely expected to part ways with GM Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson after winning just four games in the 2024 season. Shad Khan made good on half of that promise, leaving fans irate.
While Pederson was let go, Baalke has retained his job as Jaguars general manager. Calling this move shocking would be an early contender for understatement of the year, as many believed Baalke getting the axe was a forgone conclusion.
According to insider Jordan Schultz, one source called the decision "f-ing insane" after the fact, while another said it "makes no sense" and has left many within the NFL completely stunned. You know you've messed up when the rest of the league is immediately in shock at one of your moves.
Jaguars stun NFL world by not firing GM Trent Baalke
Baalke has officially earned the "Teflon Trent" nickname. Not only has he outlasted Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco, but he has survived the Urban Meyer debacle and the Pederson era. Baalke's best trait as a general manager appears to be letting others take the fall for him.
Some NFL analysts have referred to Baalke staying as a "nightmare" for Jaguars fans. All Khan had to do was rip the Band-Aid off, and he couldn't do it. Baalke his made some nice picks and free agent signings, but he is overall a poor GM.
Baalke wasn't the only GM who avoided an untimely firing, as New York Giants GM Joe Schoen was retained after a 4-13 season in his third campaign. According to Dianna Russini, some within the league can't quite decide which non-firing makes less sense for their respective teams.
The Baalke decision will likely impact the coaches they will be able to hire to replace Pederson. Per Ian Rapoport, the new coach will be reporting to Khan directly, not Baalke. The Jags are so incompetent they can't even get basic org chart structures in place.
Keeping Baalke may make the Jaguars less attractive to coaching candidates. Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson, widely regarded as the top candidate available, might be pushed to other openings like the Patriots and Bears instead of Jacksonville.
The Jaguars had the opportunity to cleanly break free from the Pederson era, and they have responded with a truly laughable decision to keep Baalke around. At this rate, the Jaguars may be set up for yet another season at the bottom of the AFC South with Baalke in charge of the whole operation.