Jacksonville Jaguars’ Owner Shad Khan Addresses Organizational Changes and Future Plans
Khan Supports Incremental Change Over Complete Overhaul
Shad Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has made it clear that he does not believe in a complete organizational overhaul despite the team’s disappointing performance in the 2024 season. The Jaguars finished with double-digit losses for the tenth time in Khan’s 13 seasons as owner, but he remains optimistic about the franchise’s trajectory. In a Zoom call with reporters, Khan explained that a full-scale rebuild would be counterproductive, likening it to "shooting yourself in the foot." He emphasized that the team has made significant improvements in areas such as player health, scouting, and contract administration over the past five years, and dismantling these systems would hinder progress. Khan believes that the franchise should focus on addressing specific issues rather than overhauling the entire organization.
Past and Present: A Focus on Stability and Improvement
Khan’s decision to retain General Manager Trent Baalke while firing Head Coach Doug Pederson reflects his commitment to maintaining stability within the organization. He highlighted the importance of the 85 employees working behind the scenes, such as scouts, analysts, and medical staff, and expressed confidence in their abilities. Khan’s approach is centered on incremental improvement, believing that the team can achieve success by refining existing processes rather than starting from scratch. This philosophy is evident in the franchise’s recent history, as the Jaguars have already undergone significant changes in areas such as player personnel and coaching staff over the past few seasons.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles: A Lack of Creativity and Unpredictability
One of the primary reasons for Pederson’s dismissal was the team’s lack of creativity and unpredictability on both sides of the ball. Khan criticized the Jaguars for being the most predictable team in the NFL, which he believes is a critical issue in modern football. The offense, led by Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor, struggled with consistency, particularly after key injuries to players like quarterback Trevor Lawrence, receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, and tight end Evan Engram. The Jaguars ranked near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories, including yards per game and passing yards per game. Defensively, the team fared even worse, ranking last in passing yards allowed per game and forcing a league-low nine turnovers. Khan believes that a change in coaching leadership will help address these issues and bring much-needed unpredictability to the team’s play-calling.
Trent Baalke’s Role and Contract Status
Trent Baalke, who has been the Jaguars’ General Manager since 2020, will retain his position despite the team’s poor performance. Baalke’s contract is set to expire after the 2025 season, and while Khan did not confirm whether an extension has been offered, he expressed confidence in Baalke’s ability to lead the franchise forward. However, Khan did not rule out the possibility of adding an executive vice president of football operations to oversee both Baalke and the new head coach. This potential addition could provide an additional layer of leadership and help streamline decision-making processes within the organization. Baalke’s tenure has been marked by both successes and challenges, including the selection of Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in 2021 and the signing of one of the best free agent classes in franchise history, as well as questionable decisions such as choosing defensive end Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson in the 2022 draft.
High Expectations and Disappointing Results
Khan had high hopes for the 2024 season, publicly stating that the Jaguars were the "best team assembled by the franchise ever" and expecting a playoff run. However, the team failed to deliver, setting an NFL record with 10 one-score losses in a single season. The Jaguars’ struggles were evident from the start, with humiliating defeats such as a 37-point loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football and a 52-6 drubbing at the hands of the Detroit Lions, which marked the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. Despite these challenges, Khan remains optimistic about the team’s future, believing that with the right coaching and personnel moves, the Jaguars can turn things around as early as the 2025 season. Baalke shares this optimism, emphasizing the importance of identifying key areas for improvement and surrounding the team’s core players with the right talent through free agency and the draft.
Looking Ahead: A Focus on Specific Fixes and Future Success
The Jaguars’ focus moving forward will be on making specific, targeted improvements rather than undergoing a complete rebuild. Baalke emphasized the importance of evaluating the roster, identifying key players who can contribute to winning games, and filling gaps through free agency and the draft. While the team has had its share of draft successes, including the selection of Trevor Lawrence and rookie standout Brian Thomas Jr., who set franchise records for rookie receiving yards and touchdowns, there have also been notable misses. Baalke acknowledges the need for better execution and decision-making, particularly in areas such as defensive strategy and offensive play-calling. With the right leadership and a few key adjustments, both Khan and Baalke believe that the Jaguars can competed for a playoff spot every season. The franchise’s future hinges on its ability to learn from past mistakes and build on the foundation that has been established over the past few years.
