O-Zone: Stay updated

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it…

I’m assuming you’re referring to Thursday’s news that the Jaguars were close to a deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to become the next head coach. Reports were that Coen was in Jacksonville Thursday night. These reports were from credible sources and there is no reason to believe that they are wrong. This was the latest in a busy Jaguars week, with General Manager Trent Baalke and the team parting ways on Wednesday. There were also reports Thursday that former Jaguars left tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Boselli was officially involved in the search Thursday — and there’s no reason to believe that’s incorrect either. This was a whirlwind day for this franchise, and apparently a successful one. Always remember: An NFL coaching search is never over until it’s over, and this one wasn’t over in recent days when naysayers said no — as naysayers do. This isn’t official yet, but it feels close. Really close. More on this to come. Obviously.

Bruce from St. Simons Island, GA

Oh, so a change in approach. Are the Jags focusing on a potential new coach who wants their own GM?

The Jaguars remained late, late Thursday night in what has by any measure been a newsworthy head coaching search, with 10 candidates interviewed — and with Baalke’s departure, it was clearly a change in approach. Such a major change at that stage of the process is nothing if not a major change in approach. As for whether Coen wanted a specific general manager, I don’t know that’s true. I know there have been many reports that Coen didn’t want to work with Baalke. Whatever this looks like, it’s an assumption at this point – and not necessarily a correct one. It’s not necessarily that important either, as long as the Jaguars eventually landed their desired head coach. It’s safe to assume Coen would — and should — be involved as the Jaguars try to find the next general manager. That would be reasonable.

“What’s done, what they say, is done. What’s important now is to get the next thing right. The Jaguars don’t necessarily need to hire a general manager before a head coach. They need to make sure that the next head coach is the right head coach – and that the next person(s) overseeing decision-making is/are the right person(s). There’s no reason things can’t happen. Maybe really good things .I expect more ineptitude from the most inept owner in the NFL, the record speaks for itself.

John, I wonder what the egg on Shad’s face tasted like? How embarrassing this absurd failure of management must be for everyone associated with the franchise.

This email might have made sense if it had been sent on Wednesday. Or Thursday morning. Did you send it on Wednesday? Or Thursday morning? It doesn’t really make sense anymore.

JK from NY & Fernandina Beach, FL

no. 71 to the rescue. In Boselli we trust!

Tony Boselli for EVP? Really? Based on what qualifications?

Boselli has been rumored for some time to be the Jaguars vice president of football operations. I can tell you that I haven’t heard anything close to official on this front. I can also tell you that Boselli is part of the head coaching search, and I can tell you that gives me confidence in the search – and that I have every confidence that he will excel if he has a role in football operations going forward .

What an incredible act of “I was wrong.” I will give Shad serious credit there. It’s such an incredible story. The team was run by a guy that everyone in the league outside of this building wanted nothing to do with. Somehow Shad never saw it. It is REMARKABLE. I’m glad he finally relented. This was the optics of the worst franchise in the NFL. Go to us!

At least Khan finally closed the barn door even though all the horses are gone.

Don’t worry about barn doors and horses. “Hot” horses” are the best known and most talked about horses. That doesn’t make them the best horses. Or good horses. Hot horses finish last all the time and get fired after two or three seasons like many of the other horses Mike Tomlin wasn’t a hot horse.

I enjoy reading your column and want to remind Jaguar fans that even Dan Campbell who took the Detroit Lions to a 15-2 record was the seventh ranked head coaching hire in 2021 according to Sports Illustrated. He was not the glamorous hire and only had experience as a tight ends coach and assistant with the New Orleans Saints. He wasn’t the slam dunk Lions fans wanted. They actually wanted Robert Saleh. I say this to my fellow Jaguar fans to say, have faith.

Frank from Saint Augustine, FL

Johnny. What’s the attitude like down there in the stadium right now? Or wherever team management and ownership hangs out? Is there embarrassment or frustration? Do they walk around with pride? Do they feel they have let the fans down?

They are working to get the hiring of head coaches right in the middle of a general manager change. Their attitude is that they want to have the right structure and get started.

Luke from Brisbane, Australia

Wow. About a month late, sure, but a decision that had to be made in the best interest of everyone involved. Baalke deserves credit for building the roster from a mess to one that should be able to consistently compete against most teams, but whether it was perception or reality, his persistent presence held the Jags back. Onward and hopefully upward. Bowl.

This is about as fair an assessment of Baalke as I’ve read in a while.

Chic from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

I have to laugh at the “better late than never” comments. Anyone who watches Khan’s ownership knows that he is always late.

I don’t know who’s laughing at what. I know the idea of ​​a head coaching search is to get the right head coach, not get a head coach first.

You are a clown. You have no credibility at this point.

Gary from Centerville, OH

Every year there are one or two coordinators who are the “hot” name for head coaching positions. Coaches like Eric Bieniemy, Josh McDaniels, Byron Leftwich, among others. Sometimes these “hot” candidates are just better suited as coordinators, while others end up being great head coaches. I wonder if we look back over the last ten years, how many of this year’s top candidates ended up with successful head coaching careers?

It would be like any other such grouping – ie. “offensive” or “defensive” coach, first-time or second-time head coach. This is because being the “hot name” usually means having coordinated a really good offense or defense, or being around a really good team. People assume that coaching around a good offense, a good defense, or a good team means you’ll be a good head coach. Sometimes that means the coach is good. Other times it is because they have been in a good situation – and around good players. But it’s always coaching in the NFL.

So why didn’t Shad say Trent’s presence was a hindrance to getting a new coach instead of a help, or do you think he was fired for another reason?

What advantage would there be in that? Baalke and the Jaguars mutually parted ways.

Brian from Gainesville, FL

Big O, most insiders have reported that the top choice for new coach now was new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Assuming that’s true, how does the PR team present the hiring of the eventual hire? Do they just say they have their best guy, regardless of whether it’s true? Seems like an insult to the fans’ intelligence. But also, what else can they do?

Jaguar’s “PR team” will not “present” this. The decision makers will say they are satisfied with their choice because they are likely to be satisfied with their choice. As far as reported top choices go, remember: A person can be a top choice when an interview process begins and not be the top choice or the right choice once it begins. The process is the process. Be wary of those who prejudge.

Most times you end a response with “stay tuned” something big is happening in the organization. Is this a coincidence or is it your way of letting readers know that you are privy to information that readers would love to know but that you cannot fully discuss at this time?

I cannot discuss it at the moment.