The Jacksonville Jaguars got the best possible playoffs outcomes to wrap up their interview process for a new head coach. Both the Tampa Bay Bucs and Green Bay Packers lost their respective games this weekend, freeing assistants from both teams up for more head coaching interviews.
In the Bucs’ case, the Jags can now have second interviews with offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, both of whom they already met once virtually. In the Packers’ case, they can now speak with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett again, who was eligible for an in-person interview with the Jags when they spoke as the Packers were in the process of a postseason bye week as the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
The Jags’ interview with Bowles was among the first they had, and it took place on Jan. 3. Leftwich’s interview was four days later. The Jags’ first interview with Hackett was believed to be on Jan. 14.
The Jags only interviewed one known candidate twice in Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. His last interview took place three days ago on Thursday after his first interview was on Jan. 15. He’s been a pretty busy candidate as of late as the Chicago Bears also have plans to meet with him for a second time where former Colts general manager Bill Polian is reportedly pushing to possibly have Eberflus and Colts executive Morocco Brown together.
However, with the Jags looking to build around quarterback Trevor Lawrence, an offensive-minded coach might be the way to go. That said, some feel that Leftwich, a former Jags first-round pick, makes the most sense, and he’s an option the fans have gravitated to the most.
While with the Bucs, Leftwich has been masterful while working with future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady, but even before that, he was able to guide Jameis Winston to a 7-9 record and a career-high in passing yards (5,109). He also displayed the ability to adapt this postseason with several key players out for the Bucs like tackle Tristan Wirfs and receiver Chris Godwin.
As for Hackett, he could be a top option for the same reasons as Leftwich as he also has aided a Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, in having a successful run. While the Packers were a one-and-done team this season and Hackett doesn’t call plays, he was a reason for the success the Jags’ offense had during their 2017 campaign as he was the team’s offensive coordinator under Doug Marrone.