Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell confirmed previous reports that they are, in fact, interested in speaking with former Giants HC Tom Coughlin regarding their head-coaching vacancy.
“Tom [Coughlin] would be somebody we’d be interested in talking to,” Caldwell said, per John Oesher.
In regards to what they’re looking for in their next head coach, Caldwell explained that there “won’t be any mandates” in terms of starting QB Blake Bortles. He also added: “I still believe in Blake very much. The head coach will have a lot of input into who the QB will be.”
Caldwell mentioned that ownership expects big things from this coaching search and stressed that NFL head-coaching experience is “critical” for them in their search, per John Oesher.
Interim HC Doug Marrone will also be a permanent candidate “regardless of what happens in the next few weeks,” according to Caldwell.
Other external options for the Jaguars, according to Jason La Canfora, could include Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, Steelers OC Todd Haley and Buccaneers DC Mike Smith. Jason Cole adds Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan to the list of candidates for the Jaguars’ job.
A few weeks ago, La Canfora reported that a possible reunion between the Jaguars and Coughlin is a something to watch.
Before that, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported over a month ago that Coughlin could be one name worth keeping an eye on for the Jaguars. Schefter mentioned that Coughlin still has a home in Jacksonville, his charity is based there, and he has publicly said he has not retired from coaching.
Of course, the Jaguars would have to be willing to hire a 71-year-old coach but if his age isn’t an issue, Schefter writes that Coughlin would bring “instant credibility” to the franchise and a proven track record of getting production of its teams.
Additionally, Schefter suggests that the Jaguars could hire Coughlin and an eventual successor, whom Coughlin could groom in the coming years.
Coughlin, 70, spent 12 years Giants’ head coach and has led them to a record of 102-90 (53.1 percent) to go along with five playoff appearances and two Super Bowl titles.
After interviewing for a few head-coaching jobs with the 49ers and Eagles, Coughlin agreed to join NFL’s football operations department. Coughlin also spoke to the Bills about a potential job but it apparently wasn’t a good fit.
We’ll have more regarding the Jaguars and Coughlin as the news is available.
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