The Jaguars are the lone team in the NFL with a general manager vacancy at the moment. The interview process is underway, and as a result the list of finalists amongst external candidates will soon be narrowed down.
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It was recently learned that at least one internal staffer was set to receive strong consideration, though. It appears that candidate is interim GM Ethan Waugh. Waugh is a “strong” candidate to receive the gig on a full-time basis, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.
Waugh had a lengthy tenure in the 49ers’ front office alongside Trent Baalke. The pair worked together from 2005-16, and Waugh worked his way up to vice president of player personnel for the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. He joined Baalke in Jacksonville in May 2022, taking on his current AGM title. Over the past three seasons, things have not gone according to plan for the team; Waugh is nevertheless in contention to oversee the front office as things stand.
Baalke was not dismissed alongside head coach Doug Pederson after the season ended, something which came as a surprise to many. The Jags’ head coaching search was seen as being impacted by Baalke’s ongoing presence, however, and the timing of a secret second interview with eventual hire Liam Coen coincided with the decision to make a change in the front office. Despite being a first-time HC, Coen is playing a central role in the search for Baalke’s replacement.
Coen’s top choice looked to be former Buccaneers colleague Mike Greenberg, but he withdrew from Jacksonville GM consideration. Several other external candidates have since received an interview request, with some virtual meetings having taken place already. It will be interesting to see if Waugh also winds up interviewing for the full-time gig.
Via PFR’s GM Search Tracker, here is an updated look at how things stand for the Jaguars:
- Chad Alexander, assistant general manager (Chargers): Interview requested
- Brandon Brown, assistant general manager (Giants): Interview requested
- Trey Brown, senior personnel executive (Bengals): Interviewed 2/12
- Ian Cunningham, assistant general manager (Bears): Interview requested
- James Gladstone, scouting director (Rams): Interviewed 2/12
- Terrance Gray, vice president of player personnel (Bills): Interviewed 2/12
- Mike Greenberg, assistant general manager (Buccaneers): Declined interview
- Jon Robinson, former general manager (Titans): One of top candidates?; Interview scheduled
- Ethan Waugh, interim general manager (Jaguars): Strong candidate?
- Josh Williams, director of scouting and football operations (49ers): Interviewed 2/11