The Jacksonville Jaguars weren't pleased with Doug Pederson's on-job performance and gave him the boot after the 2024 season. That's understandable when you consider that they failed to make the playoffs for two straight years despite the fact that they had enough talent to compete. The issue is that the Jags chose to keep general manager Trent Baalke, which could potentially limit the scope of candidates interested in their opening. Then again, that may not be enough to deter Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson from taking the job.
Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN shared everything they're hearing about this hiring cycle and said that Jacksonville could be targeting an offensive mind, pointing out that the Jaguars lacked creativity on that side of the ball, and want someone who can maximize Trevor Lawrence's capacity.
Later in the column [subscription required], Fowler argues that the biggest question surrounding the Jacksonville opening is whether Baalke will be the general manager moving forward.
"The sentiment in some league circles is that Johnson is intrigued by this job but might want his own general manager in place. Baalke is handling this search and has hit the ground running, and some people in the building are skeptical that a prospective coach can power-play Baalke out of town."
Graziano goes on to say that the skepticism is probably justified, pointing out that candidates were hesitant to work with Baalke following the dismissal of Urban Meyer. Fowler then adds that the Jaguars opening might be the best opening of this hiring cycle if candidates can "get past the Baalke dynamic."
The Jaguars placed a request to interview Johnson. It was granted, and they'll meet with him on January 11.
Sources: #Lions OC Ben Johnson — the top candidate in this year’s cycle — is scheduled to interview with four teams and has set up virtual meetings as follows:
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 8, 2025
- Raiders & Patriots on Friday
- Bears & Jaguars on Saturday pic.twitter.com/qO1VZKCZSl
Heading into the offseason, Johnson was seen as the top candidate for the Jags job and the interest was/is mutual. However, there's been chatter around the league that Baalke's presence can be a potential turnoff for coaches interested in the job. As a matter of fact, one prominent candidate says he's less interested in the vacancy if Baalke stays.
Trent Baalke or not, the Jaguars must go all-in on Trent Baalke
Before the season finale, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars were ready to clean house to have a shot at landing Ben Johnson. They ended up firing Doug Pederson and keeping Trent Baalke, which may decrease the choices of hiring him.
More recently, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported that the Jags remain all-in on their pursuit of Johnson, so they may be flexible when it comes to the general manager position. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated echoes that sentiment, noting the Jaguars may be open to changes in their front office.
One thing I'd add on the @Jaguars—pay attention to who takes interviews there. I do think that if top guys wind up meeting with them, it could indicate some flexibility in the roles in the front office. https://t.co/ERS9McwjEH
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 8, 2025
As Pete Prisco argued, if Johnson really wants the job, he can pound the table for his own general manager. Owner Shad Khan already said that he's willing to dismiss Baalke if a candidate makes a compelling case. If that's the case, and if the Jaguars are indeed all-in on Johnson, he shouldn't hesitate to accommodate his asks.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars still have a prime opportunity to land Ben Johnson. If they have to fire Trent Baalke to land the crown jewel of this coaching cycle, so be it.