Jaguars take another step in wrong direction, losing franchise icon in the process

The Jaguars chose Trent Baalke over Byron Leftwich, making the unthinkable mistake of abandoning a franchise icon.

Just a week ago it looked like Leftwich would be the next head coach of the Jags — the team he used to quarterback — and would be bringing good friend Adrian Wilson to Jacksonville with him. Wilson is the Arizona Cardinals vice president of pro scouting.

Leftwich is arguably the best quarterback in Jaguars franchise history. He’s gone on to be a tremendous offensive coordinator for fellow in-state NFL franchise, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coaching up Tom Brady the last few seasons. Leftwich is the easy hire, and the right hire.

The Bucs OC gave the franchise until Thursday to meet his demands, but they failed to do so, Thus, Leftwich is removing his name from consideration.

Jaguars are a center for disfunction

Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times went on the Rich Eisen show and slammed the Jaguars for failing to make the easy hire:

"“You know, it’s too easy, right? You got a guy who has a history with the Jaguars and was an NFL [quarterback]. How many NFL quarterbacks that really played at that level draft, high draft picks, calling plays, sat around with Tom Brady for a couple years, one of Super Bowls. 42 years old, and you’ve got Trevor Lawrence sitting there. You don’t want this guy to work with him. Really? You don’t think he’s gonna be a good head coach? I don’t know. I don’t know who would be better.”"

It’s unknown if Baalke is still involved in the Jags coaching search, but if so it makes for an incredibly awkward situation. Leftwich was reportedly honest, stating that he didn’t want to work with Baalke and would rather bring on his own general manager.

Shad Khan is in no position to negotiate here. The Jaguars are a joke of a franchise, and have been since the days of Blake Bortles (oh lord). Now, Jacksonville is considering bringing Rick Spielman, who was just fired from the Vikings, on board to perhaps work alongside Baalke?

I’m done. By the time you read this article, the Jaguars will have made another wrong choice.