Jacksonville Jaguars‘ owner, Shahid Khan, has a tall order to fill in the hunt for the next general manager. Despite a less-than-stellar regular season, there has been plenty of buzz surrounding the Jaguars and the future development of franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.
Khan’s decision to move on from Trent Baalke was necessary opening up an opportunity to reset the front office with a leader who can elevate the Jaguars to true contender status.
Recently, Jaguars’ executive vice president, Tony Boselli, sat down to discuss what he and the decision-makers are looking for:
- Individual character & integrity
- Football philosophy & vision
- Ability to establish and execute their vision
Boselli’s perspective is solid when looking at the individual, but looking at the entire franchise brings more considerations into the picture. Let’s examine a few key traits the next Jaguars general manager must have moving into the next season.
1. Strong Relationship-Building & Communication Skills
Trent Baalke’s tenure was marred by his strained relationships with coaches and other league personnel. If the Jaguars want long-term stability, their next GM must foster strong relationships both inside and outside the organization.
- Harmonizing with Liam Coen: The Jaguars can’t afford another front-office vs. coaching staff disconnect. The new GM must align with Coen’s vision and provide him with the resources to execute it effectively.
- League-wide credibility: The relationship-driven NFL requires the next GM must have a strong reputation with agents, other front offices, and coaching candidates to help Jacksonville attract top-tier talent.
- Player trust: With a young core led by Lawrence, the GM must create an environment where players believe in the franchise’s long-term direction.
2. Clear & Cohesive Roster-Building Philosophy
The Jaguars’ roster is much better than in past GM searches, but there’s still work to be done. The new GM must have a well-defined approach to team-building that maximizes the current roster while planning for the future.
- Offensive identity: With Lawrence under contract for the long haul, the new GM must prioritize building a roster that fits Coen’s offensive vision. Whether it’s upgrading the interior offensive line or adding more explosive weapons, everything should be geared toward maximizing the quarterback’s potential.
- Draft capital execution: With 10 draft picks in 2025, the new GM has a major opportunity to reshape the roster. Smart drafting will make or break the next GM’s standing with fans and supporters of the Jaguars franchise.
- Cap management & contract structuring: With roughly $32 million in cap space, the Jaguars will need a GM who can navigate the salary cap efficiently, ensuring the team remains competitive without sacrificing financial flexibility.
3. A Modern, Forward-Thinking Approach to Team Management
From hip-drop tackle bans to guardian caps, the next Jaguars general manager will need to understand how to adapt and stay fresh. Changing dynamics with collaborative player communication feels important these days as well. Players aren’t just employees but partners to the teams they join.
- Analytics-driven decision-making: The best franchises today integrate analytics into personnel decisions, contract negotiations, and in-game strategy. The Jaguars need a GM who values data-driven insights.
- Aggressiveness in player acquisition: Whether through trades, free agency, or the draft, the next GM must be willing to make bold moves when necessary to keep Jacksonville competitive in the AFC.
- Adaptability & innovation: The best GMs aren’t rigid—they adjust their strategies based on roster needs, coaching philosophy, and league trends. Jacksonville needs a leader who isn’t afraid to evolve.
The Right Jaguars General Manager Can Turn Jacksonville Around
Shad Khan has made aggressive moves to change the Jaguars’ trajectory, and hiring the right GM is the next step. The new general manager must be a communicator, a roster architect, and a modern thinker who can work in lockstep with Liam Coen.
If Khan finds that person, Jacksonville won’t just be a playoff contender—they’ll be built for long-term success.