Jags Haven’t Made Offer To John Cyprien
John Cyprien‘s rookie contract expires after Sunday’s season finale, but the Jaguars have yet to discuss an extension with him, Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union writes. The Jaguars are likely to let him hit the open market in March. 
“There’s not too much to think about, really,” Cyprien said. “My contract is up here with the Jags. The Jags will have the opportunity to try and keep me here, but other teams will [have the chance to sign him]. I’m not even sure what other teams will be interested.”
Strong safeties don’t command as much money as free safeties, but Cyprien should still be in line for a decent payday. Teams looking for strong safety help this spring may be able to shop in a free agent class including Cyprien, Barry Church (Cowboys), Tony Jefferson (Cardinals), and T.J. McDonald (Rams). As of this writing, Cyprien is ranked as the No. 8 safety in the NFL this year by Pro Football Focus, slotting him ahead of the aforementioned players.
In his contract year, Cyprien is second on the team in tackles (120), behind only linebacker Paul Posluszny (127). Although Posluszny is under contract through 2017, it’s possible that neither defender will be back in Jacksonville next year.
Jaguars Interviewing Tom Coughlin Today
The Jaguars aren’t wasting any time in their coaching search. The team is interviewing Tom Coughlin today, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 
[RELATED: Coughlin Could Be A Candidate For Bills Job]
Coughlin, 70, has little interest in playing golf all day. After he parted ways with the Giants, he interviewed for head coaching vacancies with the Eagles and 49ers. He didn’t wind up taking either job, but he stayed involved this year with a job in the league office. This fall, he made it clear that he still wants to be a head coach in the NFL.
After canning Gus Bradley, GM Dave Caldwell told reporters that Coughlin would be a candidate for the job. If he isn’t hired as coach, the Jaguars would reportedly like to have Coughlin as a member of their front office. While Coughlin doesn’t have any formal NFL experience as an executive, he essentially acted as the Jaguars’ general manager during his head coaching run with the team from 1995-2002. One way or another, Jacksonville seems keen on a reunion.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/27/16
A rundown of Tuesday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted from practice squad: S Christian Bryant (signed from Giants practice squad)
- Placed on injured reserve: S Tony Jefferson, G Taylor Boggs
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted from practice squad: S Travell Dixon, DE Larry Webster
- Placed on IR: S Tre Boston, DE Ryan Delaire
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Jake Kumerow, LB Trevor Roach
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Promoted from practice squad: RB Joe Banyard
- Placed on IR: LB Sean Porter
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on IR: RB Ryan Matthews
San Francisco 49ers
- Claimed off waivers: DL Zach Moore
- Placed on IR: RB Carlos Hyde
San Diego Chargers
- Promoted from practice squad: RB Andre Williams
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Kasen Williams
- Placed on IR: WR Tyler Lockett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on IR: CB Jude Adjei-Barimah
Tennessee Titans
- Promoted from practice squad: QB Alex Tanney
- Placed on IR: QB Marcus Mariota
Washington Redskins
- Placed on waivers: RB Silas Redd (Twitter link via Howard Balzer of BalzerFootball.com)
2017 NFL Draft Order Through Week 16
This weekend, the Browns got the best of both worlds when they won their first game of the 2016 season while the 49ers also found their way to victory. Now, the 1-14 Browns remain in the top spot as we head into the final week of the NFL season.
Here’s where we stand through Week 16. (Note: Ties are broken by strength of schedule):
- Browns 1-14
- 49ers 2-13
- Bears 3-12
- Jaguars 3-12
- Rams (pick belongs to Titans) 4-11
- Jets 4-11
- Chargers 5-10
- Bengals 5-9-1
- Panthers 6-9
- Eagles (pick belongs to Browns) 6-9
- Cardinals 6-8-1
- Bills 7-8
- Colts 7-8
- Vikings (pick belongs to Eagles) 7-8
- Saints 7-8
- Titans 8-7
- Ravens 8-7
- Buccaneers 8-7
- Broncos 8-7
- Redskins 8-6-1
La Canfora’s Latest: Jaguars, Rams, Lions, Pats
The Jaguars are expected to consider Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Mike Smith for head coach, a source tells Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, while Jacksonville could also express interest in a multitude of NCAA coaches, including Ole Miss’ Hugh Freeze. Previous reports have indicated that the Jaguars and GM Dave Caldwell could also look at New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Atlanta play-caller Kyle Shanahan, while Tom Coughlin will definitively interview for the job.
Here’s more from La Canfora:
- The Rams aren’t only targeting high-profile names such as Jon Gruden and Josh McDaniels for their head coaching vacancy, according to La Canfora, who reports that Los Angeles will also look at lesser-known options as it seeks to replace Jeff Fisher. Rams management thinks highly of offensive coordinators Sean McVay and Shanahan, per La Canfora, and will probably be involved in LA’s hunt.
- While several coaching jobs are expected to come open at season’s end, NFL front offices likely won’t see many changes, writes La Canfora. Aside from 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, most executives are on solid ground, as even clubs with poor records such as the Browns, Bills, Rams, and Jaguars are likely to opt for stability among its decision-makers.
- Although his offensive has succeeded in Detroit, Lions play-caller Jim Bob Cooter could miss out on head coaching gigs because of his name, which doesn’t project a “corporate” image, reports La Canfora. Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could also be denied jobs due to his shaggy look, which doesn’t fit the NFL’s CEO culture.
Jaguars To Interview Tom Coughlin
We’ve been hearing whispers of a Tom Coughlin/Jaguars reunion even before the team fired head coach Gus Bradley earlier this week. Well, it’s sounding like those whispers could soon be a reality. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Jaguars will be interviewing the former head coach this week (via NFL.com’s Conor Orr). It’s uncertain whether Coughlin will be interviewing for the head coaching gig or “some type of “football czar” position overseeing operations.”
Coughlin would be a natural fit for Jacksonville, especially since it was the organization that gave him his first NFL head coaching gig. The 70-year-old also has a house and family in the area, two factors that would reportedly be a “big draw” to the long-time coach. If the organization is indeed pursuing Coughlin as their next head coach, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise. General manager Dave Caldwell previously acknowledged that the veteran coach would be a candidate for the opening.
In eight seasons with the Jaguars, Coughlin led the squad to a 68-60 record and four playoff appearances. The long-time coach had a bit more success when he joined the Giants, compiling a 102-90 record. Of course, Coughlin also led New York to five playoff appearances and two Super Bowl championships. Coughlin resigned as head coach of the Giants following the 2015 season, although he did admit in October that he still has interest in coaching.
Coughlin would seemingly be less of a fit for the front office, although our own Dallas Robinson noted that the coach was essentially building his team’s roster during his previous tenure with the organization. Of course, if the team does add Coughlin in a non-coaching role, it could mean the end of Caldwell’s tenure in Jacksonville.
Rapoport notes that other potential candidates for the Jaguars head coach opening are interim head coach Doug Marrone, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Jags Hire Jed Hughes To Assist In HC Search
- The Jaguars have hired Jed Hughes of Korn Ferry International to help assist the front office in hiring a new head coach, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The firm specializes in conducting “executive searches.”
[SOURCE LINK]
Jaguars Place Aaron Colvin On IR
Aaron Colvin‘s season could well be defined by the time he did not spend on the field. A 2016 slate that began with the third-year cornerback suspended for a positive PED test will end with an IR trip.
The Jaguars placed the part-time starter on IR with an ankle injury sustained last week against the Texans while also putting guard Chris Reed on the season-ending list as well. Reed injured a toe in Week 14. The team promoted defensive back Akeem Davis and wide receiver Tony Washington to fill the duo’s roster spots.
A 2014 fourth-round pick, Colvin started four of the 10 games in which he played, representing a step down from the 15 starts he made a season ago. Once back from the four-game ban, Colvin returned to a team that now housed Prince Amukamara and Jalen Ramsey. Nevertheless, Colvin graded as the Jags’ best corner, per Pro Football Focus, which bestowed its No. 43 ranking on the former Oklahoma standout.
Colvin will enter a contract year in 2017. Reed joined the Jags as a rookie UDFA out of Division II Minnesota State but still made four starts at guard, residing as the team’s starting left guard prior to going down earlier this month. The Jaguars now have 13 players on IR.
Jags' HC Job Generating "Overwhelming" Interest
Three-plus years after multiple coaches declined interviews with the Jaguars before Gus Bradley was hired, the north-Florida head-coaching job is generating more buzz. An “overwhelming” degree of interest has emerged for the Jags’ HC vacancy, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.
Florio does not expect coaches to turn down Jags interviews this time and lists Tom Coughlin, Josh McDaniels, Todd Haley, and Anthony Lynn as those to be among the most coveted candidates for head-coaching positions. Doug Marrone could also be a candidate, per Florio, but that’s obviously dependent on what happens for the 2-12 team in the season’s final two weeks. The team’s talent base has increased since the 2013 vacancy, likely leading to the enhanced interest.
Here’s more from the Jags and the rest of the league.
Three-plus years after multiple coaches declined interviews with the Jaguars before Gus Bradley was hired, the north-Florida head-coaching job is generating more buzz. An “overwhelming” degree of interest has emerged for the Jags’ HC vacancy, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.
Coughlin has been connected to Jacksonville as a front-office cog as well. In a coach, the Jaguars are likely going to want to hear Blake Bortles-related pitches — even if the next coach won’t be forced to play him — due to the franchise spending the No. 3 overall pick on the signal-caller and having closed the book on their previous first-round QB, Blaine Gabbert, so quickly. Having that happen twice in the same half-decade would be deflating for the franchise.
- Paul Posluszny is leading the Jaguars in tackles, but the veteran linebacker knows that he might not be back in Jacksonville next year, as ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco writes. “I want to play these last two games as hard as I can knowing that I may not have a future here,” Posluszny said. “You take it one game at a time and say, ‘I’m going to devote everything that I can to these last two games because this might be the last opportunity I get.’” Posluszny is the franchise’s second-leading tackler (904) after six seasons with the club, but those aren’t the numbers that necessarily matter. The 32-year-old is due a $3.95MM base salary plus a $500K roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year (in March). He’s also set to receive a $31K bonus for each game he’s on the active roster, up to $500K. Instead of bringing him back, the Jaguars could give additional playing time to second-round pick Myles Jack.
Schefter: Jaguars Could Be Stuck With Bortles
- The view of Blake Bortles is better in Jacksonville than it is in other NFL cities, Schefter writes, with some around the league scoffing at the third-year quarterback’s skills. The Jaguars‘ next coach will not be forced to start Bortles, who has regressed in his third season as the Jags have sunk to 2-12. But if the Jags aren’t able to land one of the aforementioned young QBs, Schefter notes they might be better off picking up his fifth-year option and attempting to see if a new staff can develop him better.