Potential candidates to know for Jags’ GM vacancy: Ed Dodds

The Jags are one of a few teams set to conduct a general manager search this offseason and a solution could be within their own division.

The Jacksonville Jaguars made their biggest move of 2020 last month by firing longtime general manager Dave Caldwell, who had been with the team since 2013. With his spot now available (Trent Baalke is serving as the interim), the Jags are one of four teams who’ve fired their general manager during the 2020 season and will be looking for new leadership.

With some valuable assets like cap space and several draft picks, the Jags could be a desired destination for a new front-office leader. In fact, they couldn’t have chosen a better time to have such an abundance of riches as there are several great general manager candidates to choose from.

Of course, four games are left to be played before the Jags can begin casting the proper net for their opening, so it will be a while before a decision is made (around late January). With that being the case, we figured this would be the perfect time to start putting together some general manager profiles, starting with Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds:

Background

Dodds began his NFL career in 2003 with the Oakland Raiders as a player personnel assistant back when the late Al Davis owned the team. Eventually, he joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2007-16 where he climbed the ranks and eventually became their senior personnel executive after serving as a national scout. Under his personnel executive title, he was responsible for evaluating players on both the college and pro side.

While with the Seahawks, he played a part in putting together a team that went to the postseason seven of his 10 years, including their Super Bowl win in 2013 and their Super Bowl appearance in 2014. After a largely successful run there, he joined the Colts in 2017 as their vice president of player personnel. During the following season, he was named their assistant general manager under his good friend Chris Ballard, who he’s known for 25 years, dating back to when they worked together at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Why Dodds is a good choice?

Dodds’ time in Seattle and Indy are intriguing and explains how he’s made a name for himself and is well respected. The Seahawks’ front office is the definition of consistent, and the Jags could learn a thing or two from anyone who has played a role in building that franchise.

Simply put, it’s a reason why Dodds and Seahawks executives Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer are some of the top names when it comes to general manager candidacy. Their franchise is one that’s been consistently good for the last decade as they’ve won at least nine games eight times since 2011. Additionally, they are on course to hit 10 wins again in 2020, and of course, scouting has played a huge role in their consistency.

Dodds is an executive who is believed to have played a big role in putting together the “Legion of Boom.” Additionally, he’s played a part in a front office that has drafted notables like defensive end Frank Clark, receiver Tyler Lockett, linebacker Bobby Wagner, quarterback Russell Wilson, and safety Earl Thomas, to name a few. As for his time with the Colts, he’s played a role in a front office that has drafted notables in guards Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith and linebacker Darius Leonard.

Simply put, that’s an impressive list, and Dodds has gotten the opportunity to learn from Ballard and Seahawks general manager John Schneider throughout their process of making these decisions. Add in his relentless dedication towards winning, and it’s clear that Dodds will be a favorite front office candidate to Jags fans over the coming weeks.

What direction could Dodds go in terms of a head coach?

Two names stick out who are connected with Dodds — and they are Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Of course, he currently works with Eberflus, a coaching candidate who has surfaced as a head coach candidate over the past few years. He interviewed the Cleveland Browns last season, but they settled with Kevin Stefanski as their guy.

Dodds’ connection with Saleh dates back to their time with the Seahawks. Saleh was a defensive quality controls coach under Gus Bradley for two years (2011-12), then served the same role under Dan Quinn (2013) for a year. Saleh left the Seahawks in 2014 to reunite with Bradley when he became the Jags’ coach. While under Bradley, he was a linebackers coach for three seasons (2014-16), so he’s familiar with the Khans and organization.