The timing of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to fire GM Dave Baalke is telling, coinciding with reports of his potential termination circulating for months. It’s likely a coincidence, but it highlights the lack of direction the team has shown in recent months. Baalke was retained by owner Shad Khan, who blamed the coaching staff for the team’s on-field struggles.
In January, Khan mentioned that he would collaborate with Baalke and others to hire a new leader who shares his ambition and is ready to take advantage of the opportunities available in Jacksonville. However, three qualified candidates who interviewed with the team have since taken other jobs, leaving only two remaining options: Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and former Jets coach Robert Saleh. The team is scheduled for second interviews with these candidates.
The inclusion of “effective immediately” in the decision to fire Baalke suggests a recognition that it’s time for a new regime to take over. Baalke spent five years with the Jaguars, rising from director of player personnel to interim GM and eventually permanent GM. Under his tenure, the team selected quarterback Trevor Lawrence and others who helped them reach the playoffs in 2022 before a disappointing 2023 season that resulted in a 4-13 record. The team’s last playoff appearance was in January 2022, when they fell to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
