The Jacksonville Jaguars are probably less than thrilled with how their coaching search has played out. They're quickly running out of options, with Ben Johnson going to the Chicago Bears and Liam Coen returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's hard to tell how things will play out, but for the time being, the Jags must focus on two upcoming interviews.
The Jags are scheduled to meet with Patrick Graham and Robert Saleh. Adam Hill of The Las Vegas Review-Journal believes the former would be a great head coach. However, his chances of getting the job rest on one crucial factor.
Hill says that Graham would be an incredible head coach, pointing out that the Raiders defensive coordinator is brilliant but might struggle in the interview for the Jaguars opening.
"He is a very, very interesting person and an interesting candidate to me for a couple of reasons," Hill said during an appearance on 1010 XL. "I would love to see Patrick Graham get a head coaching job. I think he would be incredible in that role. I also would love to see how he interviews, because I have to imagine, it's not great. He is brilliant, an absolutely brilliant guy. And he will tell you himself, he is a nerd and he is all ball all the time."
Hill's rave review of Graham isn't surprising when you take into account that he's earned consideration for head-coaching jobs in previous hiring cycles. In fact, he was a finalist for the Minnesota Vikings opening in 2022 but Kevin O'Connell ended up getting the nod.
After being snubbed for the Vikes' vacancy, Graham became the defensive coordinator for Las Vegas. During in stint in the desert, he's overseen the development of several players and put together stout units despite the fact that he's lacked top-tier talent.
Graham already interviewed for the Jaguars once and is in a two-way race with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh for the job after Coen returned to the Bucs. Below's the clip of Hill sharing his thoughts on the Raiders defensive coordinator.
"(Patrick Graham) is brilliant...He is all ball all the time." 👀@AdamHillLVRJ on why the Raiders DC is a great candidate for the #Jaguars head coaching position.#Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/iCwYYkwUsY
— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) January 21, 2025
Patrick Graham has a favorable chance of getting the job
If the Jacksonville Jaguars are bringing back Patrick Graham for a second interview, it's because they were pleased with what they saw in him during their first meeting.
Circling back to Adam Hill's concerns, it's hard to pinpoint what the exact issue is. He's making it sound like Graham may be awkward or lacks social skills. However, that may not be a big deal if he proves that he can manage a whole team, not just his side of the ball, and shows leadership skills, the two traits you want in a head coach.
At this moment, it looks like the Jaguars job will come down to either Graham or Robert Saleh. Granted, there's a chance Jacksonville will expand its search after losing out on Liam Coen, but it looks like Graham has a favorable chance of landing the job. Based on how things have played out, nobody will bat en eye if he ends up getting the job.