The Jaguars part ways with GM Trent Baalke mid-coaching search. With key candidates already gone, the team starts fresh for a new GM and head coach.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a surprising move on Wednesday by firing general manager Trent Baalke in the middle of their search for a new head coach.
Team owner Shad Khan released a statement about the decision:
“Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we both arrived at the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interests to respectfully separate, effective immediately. 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.”
This move comes at a tough time for the Jaguars, as some of the top coaching candidates are no longer available.
Ben Johnson accepted the Chicago Bears‘ job, and Liam Coen returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to stay as their offensive coordinator.
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Why This Decision Feels Messy
The issue isn’t just that Baalke was fired—it’s when he was fired. Waiting until now, midway through a coaching search, has created unnecessary complications.
This delay might have scared away top candidates who didn’t want to work with Baalke.
Baalke’s time as GM included some controversial decisions.
He led the coaching search in 2021 that ended with the disastrous hire of Urban Meyer.
He also chose defensive end Travon Walker with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft over Aidan Hutchinson, who could have been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate this season if not for a broken leg.
While Baalke had some success, such as drafting quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and others who became starters, the results were mixed.
Lawrence is the only Pro Bowl selection under Baalke’s drafts, and only a few players—like Devin Lloyd, Brian Thomas Jr., and Walker—have shown star potential.
Baalke’s free-agency signings in 2024 also raised eyebrows.
Deals like a three-year, $51 million contract for defensive lineman Arik Armstead (two sacks, three tackles for loss) and $39 million for wideout Gabe Davis (20 catches, 239 yards, two touchdowns) didn’t pan out.
The Jaguars also struggled in the run game, ranking 26th in the NFL.
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Starting Over at the Worst Time
The timing of Baalke’s firing puts the Jaguars in a tough spot.
Instead of starting fresh earlier in the offseason, they’re now back to square one for both a GM and head coach.
With some of the best coaching candidates already taken, Jacksonville will need to act quickly to get their next moves right.
The Jaguars have the pieces to build a winning team, but poor timing and mismanagement have created unnecessary setbacks.
Fans will hope this reset finally brings stability and success to Jacksonville.
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