We can another three names to the Jaguars’ list of head coaching candidates. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars requested interviews with Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus (Twitter link) and Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett (Twitter link). Meanwhile, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco reports that former NFL head coach Jim Caldwell will also interview for the gig.
[RELATED: Jaguars Request Interviews With Todd Bowles, Byron Leftwich]
Eberflus served as a linebackers coach for almost a decade with the Browns and Cowboys, but he finally got a shot at a DC gig in 2018. In Indu, the 51-year-old has been credited with establishing a culture built on hustle and discipline, and his defenses have mostly been up to the challenge. Eberflus’s defenses have consistently been ranked in the top-half of the NFL for their ability to stop the run, and the team has ranked top-10 in takeaways during each of his four seasons at the helm (culminating in them currently ranking second in the NFL).
Hackett actually served as the Jaguars offensive coordinator between 2016 and 2018, including a 2017 campaign where the Jaguars offense ranked toward the top of the NFL in a number of categories. The veteran coach was canned midway through the 2018 season, and he’s spent the past three years serving as Green Bay’s OC. The Packers offense had a standout season in 2020, and while the team has the best record in the league, both the passing game and the running game have taken a step back in 2021.
Caldwell (feat. Peyton Manning) coached the Colts to a Super Bowl in his first season as Indianapolis’ HC but was out of a job after his third. Caldwell elevated the Lions to a playoff berth in his first year with Detroit in 2014 but was fired after a 9-7 2017 season. The 66-year-old coach experienced a health issue that caused him to step away from his post as Dolphins QBs coach in 2019, but he is back to full health and his since taken an interview for other HC vacancies.
This trio joins a growing list of candidates that already includes Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Cowboys OC Kellen Moore and DC Dan Quinn, and ex-Eagles HC Doug Pederson.
Wow Shad, you decided to interview more than 1 person this go around? Good decision.
Hell yes! Coach Eberfluss
I think Leftwich is their best bet, especially since developing TL has to be a primary concern… but if I were betting, I’d put money on Moore. Don’t really have much to go on, just the proverbial hunch…
nobody wants this job lol
It’s actually a great opportunity. The weather is fine year round for starters. The Jags don’t have to compete for fans because there are no other pro sports teams in town. Expectations are low so the coaching staff won’t be under any pressure to deliver immediate results. If the Jags do suddenly show improvement the coaching staff will be able to write their own ticket.
I think the Jags should hire an experienced head coach in order to restore stability/confidence in the organization. The last thing they need is to experiment with a DC/OC who is no lock to be any good once they move into the HC position (see Fangio, Joseph, McDaniels, etc., etc.).
Ram were in a bad spot after the Jeff fisher mess and they didn’t sign no well known coach. But a up and coming coach now look at them. They might be better off with a fresh coach not a recycled coach. Since they had a experience coach and look what happen .
Rams and 49ers and I believed a other team did what you said not too and look at all of them. Rams been to a Super Bowl , 49ers been to a super bowl. Sometimes it better to take a risk than play it safe