Jaguars Part Ways with General Manager Trent Baalke
On Wednesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they have parted ways with general manager Trent Baalke, just hours after head coaching candidate Liam Coen decided to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan released a statement explaining the decision. “Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we both arrived at the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interests to respectfully separate, effective immediately,” Khan said. “Trent leaves us with my deepest appreciation for his efforts over the past five seasons.
Ethan Waugh will serve as interim general manager and play an important role, with others, as we continue the process of interviewing candidates to serve as our new head coach. I am deeply committed to building a winner here in Jacksonville and look forward to introducing a new head coach who will make that happen for our players and fans alike.”
Baalke’s History with the Jaguars
Baalke joined the Jaguars in 2020 as director of player personnel and was promoted to general manager when Khan fired Dave Caldwell that November. During his time with the team, Baalke’s tenure included highs and lows.
One of his most notable decisions was drafting quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. He was also part of the hiring of head coach Doug Pederson, which led the team to an AFC South title and a thrilling comeback win in a wild-card playoff game in 2022.
However, Baalke also oversaw the Jaguars’ most significant collapse in franchise history in 2023, when they missed the playoffs despite starting the season 8-3.
Controversial Draft Picks and Free Agent Moves
Baalke made the controversial decision to draft defensive end Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 1 pick in 2022. He believed Walker’s athleticism and potential upside made him the better choice, but Hutchinson has outperformed Walker, becoming one of the top sack leaders in the NFL.
Baalke’s free-agent signings were also mixed. In 2022, he made key moves that helped the team win the AFC South title, including signing players like receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and tight end Evan Engram. However, his most recent free-agent class in 2024 was disappointing, as none of the players had a significant impact on a team that finished with a 4-13 record.
Baalke’s Draft and Free-Agent Legacy
Baalke’s 2021-2024 draft picks had a mixed track record. While players like Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and cornerback Tyson Campbell became key starters, Baalke’s decision to draft Walker over Hutchinson remains a point of contention.
In free agency, Baalke’s big-money signings in 2024, including receiver Gabe Davis and defensive back Darnell Savage, failed to make a meaningful impact on the team’s performance.
The decision to part ways with Baalke comes after the Jaguars missed out on top coaching candidates like Ben Johnson, who chose to join the Chicago Bears. Liam Coen was also in the running, but he decided to stay with the Bucs for a raise, leaving the Jaguars in search of a new head coach.
