Will Jacksonville Jaguars commit rash changes or smooth transition? – NFL Feature
Let’s forget performance numbers for a moment; the season is nearly over for the Jacksonville Jaguars – the first one under their new owner Shahid Khan.
This takes the team to the next phase, not the playoffs of course, but a phase of transformation and rebuilding. It is an exercise done by all teams at end of a season, whether extensive or limited.
For those who end the season at lower than expected note, or an even worse note, the process of rebuilding is for deeper and wider, and in some cases, even rasher. The Indianapolis Colts are a fresh example of it; owner Jim Irsay parted ways with all managers,
coaches and a majority of players soon after coming out of the 2011 season with only two wins.
Although the Jags are no Colts, a question mark has lingered on since long: how rash or how far is the owner going to go to cleanse his team? Will is he going to go straight after officials, coaches and players alike and at the same time, the way Irsay did,
or has he got some other plans?
He is a businessman, and might to an extent be patient, as he has been doing with his businesses. He at a couple times has hinted to do so.
Still, all eyes are set upon him. A particular interest is around some of the team officials at the front office, who have been with the team for too long. Their decisions are crucial for the team as far as hiring of quality of talent is concerned.
In regard to quality of the talent, it will also depend on the owner; how much he is willing to invest.
An example of running back Maurice Jones-Drew is relevant here. He spent 38 days on the sideline as a protest to push his demand for a pay raise. The owner and general manager said they would not consider his request, and they remained firm to their stance
until the player returned to the field, unconditionally.
So, there is an indication that Khan will adopt a cautious approach as far as spending is concerned. He still can look for hiring better players off the draft market or free agency; those who fulfil his dream of seeing the Jags becoming winners in the shorter
to medium run, and then increase the level of investment as the franchise progresses to future glories.
Some commentators see the management taking some important decisions on the offensive line, given they have suffered on the offence more than probably any other team in the league.
It is less likely they will commit the future of the team to Blaine Gabbert once again. He has failed them in two consecutive seasons. So there is no second or third coming for him.
Coach Mike Mularkey is expected to stick around, for the time being at least, unless the team gives preference to long-term objectives and go for rash changes. He has been a part of the side through 2012 and understands the unit more than any new official
probably will do.
A big question looms around future of GM Gene Smith. He has been in charge of all team’s decisions since 2009, without producing impressive results as far as the team’s performance is concerned.
All the changes are nevertheless expected to be a process of smooth and limited transition, as Khan is less likely to press the panic button just after his first unsuccessful season.
Disclaimer: The views do not represent editorial policy of bettor.com
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