Jaguars’ spiraling HC search results in firing of GM Trent Baalke

Jaguars’ Sports Illustrated beat reporter John Shipley described Jacksonville as “all in” on hiring Coen, and the search “has now gone off the rails.”

As CBS Sports NFL analyst Will Brinson relayed earlier this week, recently hired Bears head coach and former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson “was definitely interested in the Jaguars gig — that’s been a poorly-kept secret around the league for months.”

His decision to accept the Bears’ opening despite their concerning front-office leadership indicated Baalke’s negative influence on Jacksonville’s search.

Whiffing on Coen, who could have parlayed one season in charge of the Bucs offense into a lucrative, multiyear head coaching contract, is the latest sobering reminder that the Jaguars will be forced to fight for scraps as long as they maintain their current front office structure.

Following the news of Coen’s decision to pull out of consideration for the Jaguars’ job, NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote, “It’s been no secret that… that the Jaguars would have a hard time attracting a top head coach if they kept Trent Baalke.”

Jaguars reporter Mia O’Brien shared, “From the moment Doug Pederson was fired and Trent Baalke was retained, there was trepidation from Liam Coen’s camp.”

Based on Baalke’s resume, it was easy to wonder how he’s had significant job security in his two stints as an NFL general manager.

From 2010-16, he served as 49ers general manager. He survived a reported power struggle with then-head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was 44-19-1 in four seasons in San Francisco (2011-14).

In 2015, Harbaugh told the San Jose Mercury News, “I didn’t leave the 49ers. I felt like the 49er hierarchy left me.” (h/t ESPN)

Baalke’s first major move after Harbaugh’s firing was promoting Jim Tonsula, the team’s defensive line coach, to head coach.

In his lone season, he went 5-11 before being fired. Baalke then hired Chip Kelly, who went 2-14 in 2016.

Baalke’s poor track record with head coaches continued in Jacksonville, where he was responsible for the Urban Meyer debacle. He lasted 13 games before being fired amid a scandal-plagued season in 2021.

It’s perplexing how Baalke remained in ownership’s good graces for as long as he did despite his failures during his four seasons in Jacksonville. Coaching candidates are rightfully just as confounded, putting the Jaguars in an unfortunate situation. 

However, with Baalke’s firing, the Jaguars hope they can get back on the right path.