As one of the hottest head coaching candidates on the market, Ben Johnson has a number of teams eager to land him. Among them is the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that might be the most intriguing, but also the most complicated. While the Jaguars have a young, promising quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and an ownership group that has shown a commitment to building a competitive team, there’s one significant obstacle that could potentially sour Johnson’s interest: the role of general manager Trent Baalke.
The Baalke Problem
Trent Baalke has been the Jaguars’ general manager since 2020, and his tenure has been marked by significant turnover in the head coaching position. Over the years, Baalke has survived multiple regime changes—working with coaches like Jim Harbaugh, Urban Meyer, Doug Pederson, and currently, with head coach Doug Pederson. This is not unusual in the NFL, but the fact that Baalke has outlasted several high-profile coaching changes raises a red flag for potential head coaches, including Ben Johnson.
Johnson, like many potential candidates, is likely concerned about Baalke’s role in the organization. While Baalke has been able to keep his job despite the firing of several head coaches, his long history with the team—coupled with his influence over decisions—has led to a perception that the GM might be a destabilizing force. In particular, the fact that Baalke sits in the press box next to owner Shad Khan during every game and has a direct line to the owner’s ear has fueled skepticism. For any head coach coming in, the question looms: How much control will I actually have over my team if the GM is so entrenched in the decision-making process?
Jaguars’ Potential Solution: Moving Baalke to EVP
In an effort to address these concerns, the Jaguars are reportedly open to making a significant change to their front office structure, which could include moving Trent Baalke out of the GM role and into an executive vice president (EVP) position. This shift would allow the new head coach—potentially Ben Johnson—to hire his own GM and take more control over personnel decisions, which could be a key factor in making Jacksonville an attractive landing spot.
Shad Khan, the Jaguars’ owner, has publicly acknowledged the possibility of restructuring the front office, drawing comparisons to the time when Tom Coughlin was brought in as EVP in the past. This move would be an attempt to appease potential head coaching candidates, particularly Johnson, by providing more autonomy in team building and day-to-day operations. For someone like Johnson, who values organizational structure and a collaborative environment, this shift in the Jaguars’ management model could be a game-changer.
Will the Change Be Enough for Ben Johnson?
While the potential to move Baalke into an EVP role is a positive step, it remains unclear whether it will be enough to sway Johnson. The Jaguars’ decision to entertain this option signals a recognition of the need to adapt and provide more stability and control for a potential new head coach. However, the lingering question remains: Will Johnson feel confident in the new setup, especially considering that Baalke’s shadow has loomed large over the organization for so long?
For Johnson, the most important factor in his coaching search is finding a situation where he feels supported. He is not just looking for a team with talent but one with an ownership group and a front office that trusts its coach and allows them to do their job without interference. Moving Baalke out of the GM role could make Jacksonville a more appealing destination, but Johnson will need assurance that the structure will allow him to have the influence and autonomy he needs to succeed.
The Appeal of Jacksonville Beyond Baalke
Despite the concerns surrounding Baalke, Jacksonville still has several key factors that could make it an attractive option for Ben Johnson. The team has a young, franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, who is coming off an impressive season under head coach Doug Pederson. For a coach like Johnson, working with a talent like Lawrence could be a significant draw. The Jaguars also have a strong supporting cast, including a solid defense and promising young players, making it a team on the rise.
Additionally, Jacksonville’s ownership has demonstrated a willingness to invest in the team and make adjustments when necessary. If the Jaguars are able to create a more favorable organizational structure and give Johnson the control he seeks, the team could quickly become a top contender for his services.
Conclusion: A Complex, Yet Promising Option
The Jacksonville Jaguars represent both a complicated and potentially rewarding option for Ben Johnson. The decision to potentially move Trent Baalke into an EVP role is a clear attempt to address the concerns of candidates like Johnson, who want to be sure they have the power to build their own team without undue interference. While it remains to be seen whether this restructuring will be enough to land Johnson, the Jaguars’ willingness to consider such a change signals a recognition of the importance of organizational fit.
Ultimately, Johnson’s decision will come down to whether he believes the Jaguars can provide the right environment for him to thrive. If the front office changes make it clear that Johnson will have the autonomy he desires, Jacksonville could very well become one of the most intriguing destinations for the up-and-coming offensive mind. However, if the shadow of Baalke continues to loom, the Jaguars might remain just out of reach for Johnson, no matter how talented the roster or promising the quarterback situation.
