The Jaguars have asked the Buccaneers for permission to interview offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for their head coaching vacancy (Twitter links via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). In addition to the Tampa duo, they’ve also requested an interview with Cowboys OC Kellen Moore and DC Dan Quinn (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com) and scheduled a meeting with ex-Eagles HC Doug Pederson for later this week (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero).
[RELATED: Jaguars GM Trent Baalke To Keep Job]
All five coaches have been connected to the Jaguars in recent weeks, with Pederson said to be especially interested in the job. Pederson, of course, had Carson Wentz playing at an MVP level through the first 14 weeks of the 2017 season, up until his fateful ACL tear. Then, with backup QB Nick Foles under center, he guided the Birds to their first ever Super Bowl ring. Pederson’s final Philadelphia season ended with a 4-11-1 mark, but he remains an attractive candidate nonetheless.
Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, meanwhile, would happily advocate for either one of his coordinators to get the job. He’s been especially supportive of Leftwich, who did not receive an HC interview in the last cycle.
“The job he’s done…he coaches quarterbacks, he calls plays, he’s everything everybody says they are looking for,” Arians said in January (via Jon Ledyard of Pewter Report). “I was really hoping he’d get his first few interviews and maybe get a job out of it. I can’t speak for what the owners think and who they listen to sometimes, but it’s just a matter of time before he gets his.”
Do they want a recycle coach or do they want a fresh young mind. If I was them I’ll go young coach. Why not bring Bryan home and see what he can do
Byron*
i mean, doesn’t the list suggest they are casting a wide net? seems like a good idea tbh.
So far the candidates being interviewed appear to be solid.
I wouldn’t want to have Trent Baalke as my Boss. No Way, No How
Leave my Cowboys coaches alone and take Leftwich!
Byron Leftwich should have been the first option over Urban Meyer. Specially with a rookie QB.
This is what the bears should be doing instead of holding onto Nagy for 2 more games before during him anyways
They could be looking already while having Nagy hold the seat.
This gives them opportunity to keep him another year if they don’t get guy they want. I honestly think more teams should go that route vs. firing then settling for someone that they’ll fire in a couple years.
It makes no difference. No team is going to hire someone based on a two-hour zoom call.
Dan Quinn that tells you they aren’t interested in winning.
Tell me you don’t know football without saying you don’t know football
I believe SB winning coaches collectively have made 14 past attempts to claim a ring with a second team yet no one has succeeded. Pederson is a logical HC candidate but I don’t see him as the guy to break that jinx.
I think Doug Peterson would be the best bet for the team and the future development of Trevor Lawrence.