All the sudden the Jags job is open and I know many will disagree with this, but I think this is a hot commodity job. It sure doesn’t look or feel like it right now, but let’s not forget, the almighty Urban Meyer came out of retirement for this job. He was rumored for much bigger jobs than Jacksonville in the past, he could coach at any college opening of his choosing, and he chose the Jags. Now, the reason for that is obvious, its Trevor Lawrence. Even thought Lawrence hasn’t developed yet, EVERYONE is going to blame that on the human train-wreck known as Urban Meyer. People will still look (as they should frankly) at Trevor Lawrence as a young stud who can lead a team to NFL greatness.
So, this job will be in high demand. Here are the 5 coaches the Jags should look @ first.
1.Byron Leftwich- He’s been an OC under Bruce Arians since 2019. He’s got the respect of Tom Brady, he’s smart, well-liked, and he was a successful NFL QB in his own right. Yes, he played with the Jags back in the mid-2000’s but I don’t care about that – that’s the last reason he should be considered, he should be considered because he’s an offensive minded smart coach with credentials who is ripe for an opportunity.
2.Todd Bowles- Yup. The other guy on the Bucs staff. Someone’s got to get hired off of this all-star staff they’ve formed in Tampa. Bowles is a defensive minded coach, but that’s where the majority of the talent for the Jags lies anyway. Just because you have Lawrence doesn’t mean you have to hire an offensive guy, most importantly they just need a good coach. Bowles coach get the defense in line and lead this organization out of the dumpster, I’m confident of that. Don’t let his failures in NY with the Jets dilute your opinion.
3.Eric Bieniemy- I mean, this guy’s been on every list for the last 3+ seasons. He’s Andy Reid’s right hand man, I don’t know why he doesn’t have a head coaching job yet, but honestly I think part of it might just be, he’s waiting for the perfect opportunity and this could be it. Lawrence’s ability coupled with Bieniemy’s offensive gurus status could be pretty magical.
4.Mike Zimmer- I know he coaches the Vikings currently, but it sure does feel like things have sort of run their course in Minnesota. I think the Vikings need a fresh coat of paint at QB and head coach and if Zimmer is out there to be had, he’s still a damn good coach and he’s a really good culture guy. The Jags could get in Zimmer what they were trying to get in bringing back Tom Coughlin.
5.Nathaniel Hackett- My sleeper candidate! Hackett is familiar with the Jags organization and has even seen some success there. He survived Gus Bradley’s termination in 2016. Doug Marrone not only kept Hackett on staff but gave him a promotion from interim offensive coordinator to permanent. Hackett managed to get to the AFC Championship Game with Blake Bortles as his quarterback in 2017, only to be unceremoniously fired less than a year later. I love the system they run in GB, I think its very QB friendly with the compliment of a ground game and a 2 back system. I think this could be a sneaky good move.
Guys I’m not on that you will see on lists everywhere: Josh McDaniels, Kellen Moore, Doug Pederson, and Luke Fickell