Related Post
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to interview two candidates for their head coach opening this week, but they reportedly will be expanding their search to include more options.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Jaguars “are not down to” former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham despite scheduling them for in-person interviews.
The team is reportedly expected to pursue interviews with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports noted that Jacksonville plans to hire a head coach before hiring a replacement for general manager Trent Baalke, who parted ways with the team on Wednesday.
The Jaguars have fallen short in their chase for a top head coaching candidate. Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both interviewed with the team but opted to take the Chicago Bears and New York Jets head coaching jobs, respectively.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who was scheduled for an in-person interview this week and was reportedly once thought to be the favorite for the job in Jacksonville, withdrew from the search to remain in his current role.
After being left at the altar, the Jaguars made a poorly-timed decision to part ways with Baalke after team owner Shad Khan initially committed to retaining him following the firing of head coach Doug Pederson over two weeks ago.
“Trent leaves us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the past five seasons. Ethan Waugh will serve as interim general manager and play an important role, with others, as we continue the process of interviewing candidates to serve as our new head coach. I am deeply committed to building a winner here in Jacksonville and look forward to introducing a new head coach who will make that happen for our players and fans alike,” Khan said in a statement.
However, it appears that the damage has already been done as coaching candidates continue to fly off the board. The Jaguars are one of four teams remaining with head coaching vacancies, so they will have to work hard to set themselves apart from the pack as they pursue a new leader.
