Now, it’s official. On Thursday, the Jaguars formally hired Trent Baalke as their new general manager.
“Trent Baalke has had success at virtually every level of football, notably so as a GM who shrewdly and quickly built an NFL conference championship organization and team,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement. “Trent thoroughly knows the NFL and the dynamics of today’s game, has an exceptional eye for talent, and I know will have excellent chemistry with head coach Urban Meyer as they begin their mission to bring a consistent winner to our fans in Jacksonville.”
Baalke, 56, served as the Niners’ GM from 2011-2016. Roughly one year ago today, the Jaguars brought him in as their director of player personnel. Nine months later, he was bumped up to the interim GM role when David Caldwell was fired. Now, he has the full-time position where he’ll lead the Jaguars’ latest reboot alongside Meyer.
The Niners secured 35 Pro Bowl selections and made a Super Bowl appearance during Baalke’s six-year run with the team. Things cooled off near the end, however, following Jim Harbaugh‘s departure. The 49ers missed the playoffs in Harbaugh’s last season, and Baalke’s replacement hires — Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly — were one-and-dones.
Before hiring Baalke, the Jaguars also considered the likes of Jerry Reese, Rick Smith, Louis Riddick, Terry Fontenot, and Ray Farmer.
And people were really thinking Lawrence would be better off in Jacksonville then with the Jets hahaha.
This would be a completely shocking hire if it was almost any other team than Jacksonville.
All 49 fans are laughing histirically right now.
I think the new look Jaguars have a reasonable chance to improve and become a contender if Bad Shad can be content to be a silent owner who stays off the media radar…but that’s a big IF.
I’m not sure that staff gives them a better chance than Shad would on his own, but generally speaking your argument holds water. Generally.
Shad stated he was going to be running the show then quickly backtracked from those statements. Those are the actions of someone who realizes they will end up with egg on their face if they stick with the original plan.