With the team in the process of finalizing its coaching staff for the coming season, Jaguars owner Shad Khan spoke to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union today about some of the team’s recent hires, as well as the coming offseason. O’Halloran has highlighted a number of the more noteworthy quotes from Khan, so let’s dive in and round them up….
On new offensive coordinator Greg Olson:
“I know about his history with Drew Brees and quarterback development. I love Blake [Bortles]. I think he’s a key building block moving forward. We have to unlock his potential and we’ve got to have somebody who’s done it before with a great track record and Greg, I think, is about as good as it gets.”
On adding Doug Marrone as an offensive line coach and assistant head coach:
“I’ve seen this in my business and in life, you want to have people for support who are experienced. In this case, Gus [Bradley] and Doug can talk about stuff and the final decision maker is Gus. But a lot of times, discussion drives a decision to a logical conclusion. With Doug, he’s a very good line coach and that was definitely one of our weaknesses – the line. We have talent there, but when it was all said and done, we led the league in sacks [allowed]. That is not a good thing. You’re not going to go anywhere unless you fix that.”
On the team’s plan for free agency:
“We certainly have salary cap room and we plan on being active in free agency. … We have some critical weaknesses and we have to fill them.”
On whether he and the club would welcome back Justin Blackmon if he’s reinstated:
“Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I’m very optimistic. I think he’s paid his dues. I think he’s got his life together. I think he can be a role model for people who have gone through hard times. We’re waiting for him.”