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O-Zone: Staying or going?

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Bill from Jacksonville Beach:

“While Marrone served under former Head Coach Gus Bradley for 30 games, it’s reasonable to assume his approach differs greatly…” So, Bradley hired someone as the assistant head coach whose approach differed greatly from his? That doesn’t sound right, John. Thanks! Go Jags!

John: I guess I’m not sure what doesn’t sound right about Doug Marrone as assistant head coach possibly having a different approach or philosophy than the head coach for whom he works – in this case, Bradley. Is it so unusual for people who work together to have different ideas about how to approach something? I don’t agree with everything my boss says, and I don’t know that he wants me to do so. We can talk something through and figure out a direction – as I assume happens in many work environments. And let’s not misunderstand what an assistant head coach in the NFL means. An assistant head coach is typically there to be the interim head coach if the permanent head coach is unavailable for any reason; that can mean sickness or family emergency, etc. The title in no way makes the assistant coach a co-head coach and doesn’t necessarily mean that the assistant head coach has particularly heavy input into the direction of the team. That person doesn’t have to share the same operating philosophy as the current head coach, either. Marrone’s approach clearly is more old-school and harder-edged than Bradley’s, so his approach along those lines now will be different. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a valuable asset as an assistant head coach or offensive line coach – and it doesn’t mean Marrone had to agree blindly with all of Bradley’s philosophies. It just means they’re different.

Perry from Orange Park, FL:

You said you don’t believe that the roster is going to be status quo and that the Jaguars still have a lot of evaluating to do. However, Shad Khan’s statements that this is a very young and talented team would seem to indicate that at least some analysis has been done and there won’t be any major shake-ups roster-wise. What do you see potentially changing?

John: No roster in the NFL is status quo from year to year – and Khan’s correct that this is a very young team with talent. But a 3-13 team is not an elite team, either. So, while it’s difficult to define “major shakeup,” I do think it’s fair to assume there must be talent added to this roster. I’d be surprised if running back isn’t addressed in the draft. The offensive line certainly will be examined closely; the group improved last season, but something must be done to improve the running game. Tight end could be addressed, and I would be very surprised if a veteran pass rusher isn’t added. Yes, and showed signs this past season, particularly Ngakoue. But the idea that a team can “have enough pass rushers” is a silly notion at best and the Jaguars certainly could use an experienced, mature player in the role.

Chris from Houston, TX:

Daniel Jeremiah said that Malik Hooker, the safety from Ohio State, has some of the best ball skills he’s ever seen in a safety. Do you think it is possible that the Jaguars could draft him and move Gipson to strong safety? Gipson said he wants to play closer to the line of scrimmage …

John: I could see playing closer to the line of scrimmage at times, but I can’t see him moving to a strong-safety role. He’s a free safety.

Mike from Jacksonville:

The last time I looked, the four remaining quarterbacks in the playoffs are all strong-armed with velocity to throw into tight coverage. Who are the Jags going to trade for or draft to fix this issue?

John: It seems there is a good possibility that the Jaguars will pursue competition for this offseason. I think it’s a long shot that the competition will be good enough to beat out Bortles and “fix” the issue immediately, and I don’t know that the Jaguars are absolutely convinced yet that Bortles can’t be the one doing the fixing.

John from Boynton Beach, FL:

I just hope TC doesn’t pull a Danny Glover from Lethal Weapon and say, “I’m too old for this …”

John: I worry about a lot of things. I don’t worry about that.

Stephen from Jacksonville:

Given recent history and the current state of the AFC South, if you believe that the Jaguars can push for a 0.500 or winning record next season, shouldn’t you also believe they have a very good chance to make the playoffs?

John: Yes, I think the Jaguars will have a chance to make the playoffs if they can push for a .500 record. I think AFC South teams such as the Texans and Titans are improving enough to get to double-digit victories, but a .500 record or better should get the Jaguars within range.

Matt from Fernandina Beach, FL:

First thing first: We need to get a sound bite of Tom Coughlin yelling “Duval.” How great would that be! Here’s my question: Coughlin’s title with the Jaguars is Executive Vice President. Who had this position within the organization prior to TC being hired or was this position made specifically for him? Also, if the EVP has final say on all roster evaluations and decisions, what is the point of a team having a general manager?

John: The executive vice president of football operations role was created for Coughlin. As far as the point of the general manager, there absolutely is still a point to the role held by David Caldwell. He oversees the Jaguars’ personnel department and he and Coughlin will work together on roster decisions such as draft, free agency, etc. Coughlin will have final say, but that doesn’t mean Caldwell won’t have say.

Alex from Orlando, FL:

How much face time do you think Tom Coughlin will get in front of the entire team? Will he be involved in team meetings before games? The more I think about this I just don’t get why he wasn’t hired as head coach.

John: I imagine Coughlin’s face time before the team in formal situations will be limited – and I doubt he will speak to the team before games. That is the role of head coach and that will be the role of Marrone.

Jags Fan 818:

Is ‘s contract up with the Jags? Will they keep him or let him go? Personally, I’ve never been a fan of his.

John: Henne has a year remaining on his contract at a base salary of $3 million. That’s not an unheard-of salary for a backup quarterback, and Henne’s status is one of many, many issues on which the Jaguars must decide in recent weeks. It wouldn’t be shocking if Henne returns. He has worked with Bortles and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett closely for two seasons. At the same time, the Jaguars’ dead cap space if they release Henne is $250,000 compared to $5 million last season. So, while there was almost no way Henne wasn’t going to be the backup last season, it’s much more possible in 2017.

Artie from Orange Park, FL:

With Hackett as the “new” offensive coordinator, does that mean Bortles will be learning another new offense? Wouldn’t that be his fourth in four years and one of the things that has hindered his performance?

John: Hackett indeed likely will install his offense as opposed to Greg Olson’s offense, which Olson ran with Bortles for 23 games and which Hackett ran with a few of his own tweaks for nine games last season. That essentially makes three offensive coordinators for Bortles in four seasons – Jedd Fisch, Olson and Hackett – but once the Jaguars let Olson go in October that scenario was pretty much unavoidable.

Steve from Nashville, TN:

Who will be our starting tight end to begin the 2017 season?

John: 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.TBD. 5.Some combination of all of the above.

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:

There are (I think) 11 unrestricted free agents on the current roster. Of those, my guess is that , , and are most likely to go. , , John Cyprien, and are most likely to stay. , , , – no idea. Your thoughts?

John: I would be surprised if Cyprien is back at this point because I think he’s going to get big money on the open market and I don’t know that the Jaguars will want to pay him big money. I think Joeckel might return because I don’t know that he’ll get big money on the open market – at least in part because of his knee injury. I think Alualu will return because I think the Jaguars will want to re-sign a player who is durable, hard-working and a really good player. That’s the sort of player teams like to re-sign.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Rush like no other

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Paul from Duval:

My opinion is if the Jaguars think they are close to being successful, they are extremely deluded – and maintaining continuity makes little sense given history. I get not hiring people just to make a “splash,” but what do you think the front office sees that basically no one but the front office sees?

John: What does the front office see? That the people they’re selecting are the right people; that’s the only reason they would make the selections. Look, I don’t know that Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin necessarily thinks the Jaguars are close. I know he said during his introductory press conference that he believes the team can win quickly, but he also knows football well enough to know that a 3-13 team by definition is more than a small step from the postseason. I also know a few things are true because Coughlin is running the organization. One is that the Jaguars indeed won’t do things to “make a splash,” and that they won’t do things based on what media or fans are saying – or based on what is being tweeted. Coughlin’s radar won’t extend that far – and if he hears about it, it won’t occur to him to care or react to it. That’s not to say he doesn’t care about the fans, but it to say he won’t make decisions based on reaction. I also know that Coughlin won’t look at the roster or anything within the organization and say, “Well, it’s close, so let’s not do everything we can to improve that area.” Rest assured that Coughlin is examining every facet of the Jaguars’ football operations and trying to determine what needs to improve and what needs to change. I have no idea if Coughlin or the Jaguars will be successful or not – but if they aren’t, it won’t be because Coughlin just wanted to maintain continuity or because he thinks the Jaguars were close last season.

Steve from Jacksonville:

Coaching!? Quarterbacks!? Come on John, it’s all ball bearings nowadays! Just ask Fletch.

John: I’m not even sure that’s a crime anymore.

Scott from Gilbert, AZ:

Zone, I got to see Joey Bosa play a little this year. He did some nice things in the twelve games he was active, and I believe he has a very bright future in this league. But, the Pro Football Writers of America voting him Defensive Rookie of the Year over ? I don’t think that’s cool. I don’t like it.

John: I would have voted for Ramsey, too, but if I had been a neutral observer I probably wouldn’t have seen a huge difference between the two.

Bill from Jacksonville:

Out of all the available coaches in college and pro football for offensive and defensive coordinator, the Jaguars just happened to have the best two men for the job already on staff? What a coincidence! Is this really what the team is telling the fan base, John? Thanks! Go Jags!

John: Yes. That’s what they’re saying. Maybe they’re right. Maybe they’re wrong. We’ll find out.

Robert from Burlington:

Hey John, what an offseason so far. I am one who is liking the hirings. The mentality of both Tom and Doug seem to be one and the same: WIN!!! This got me thinking about players. Do you think the hiring of Tom and Doug will influence them to go out and get players from previous teams? For example: Jason Pierre-Paul. He already has stated he’s not looking for a one-year deal. Do you think someone like him would be influenced to come to Jacksonville due to Coughlin? What other players do you think would be influenced to come here because of Doug and Toms hiring? Lastly, do you think is worthy of a long-term deal as he was here on a one-year prove it deal like ?

John: I certainly think the presence of Coughlin and Marrone give the Jaguars credibility among players. I don’t know that it puts them No. 1 in the NFL in credibility with a wide gap between them and No. 2 – but yes, the Jaguars will be credible. That gives you a chance. Paying the players a lot of money gives you a better chance. The Jaguars have a lot of money to spend, so sure … I think the Jaguars will be a big presence in free agency if they so choose. As far as Prince Amukamara … I do think the Jaguars should try to retain him – and I imagine they will. I don’t know that it’s going to be at a long-term, elite-level contract, but if it’s reasonable – whatever reasonable means in free agency – I think it’s a real possibility.

Adam from Saint Johns, FL:

I’m OK with Marrone, but this goes back to last season. If Marrone, Nathaniel Hackett, and Todd Wash are retained, why didn’t they make the change after the Titans loss? It just seems so Mickey Mouse. They kept Gus Bradley far too long and ended up with the same people. Is Khan being cheap and trying not to excite anyone? I think the fans are getting punked. It seems like Tom was brought in to be the latest distraction. None of this has made any sense. Why won’t Shad address the fans?

John: Coughlin is not here as a distraction. He is involved in and making decisions – and there won’t be any question that this team will have his identity. As far as Khan “addressing the fans” … no, Khan didn’t talk to the media publicly this past season – but that’s not all that unusual for NFL owners. Khan did discuss these topics at the press conference last Thursday to introduce Marrone and Coughlin. He said he doesn’t believe in making changes mid-season in the NFL. He said he believed that would destabilize the program more. The move to Marrone late in the season was made because Khan wanted to start the process of moving forward at that point and didn’t want to do it with Bradley still the head coach. Once that process started, Khan decided on Coughlin as executive vice president of football operations and Marrone as head coach. You may not like these moves, but Khan has stated those were the reasons for the moves. I don’t know how else he could or should “address the fans” on these topics.

Tim from St. Pete, FL:

John: The fact that the NFL may take a draft pick away from Seattle for nondisclosure of Richard Sherman’s knee injury is ridiculous. The only reason injury reports exist is to help Las Vegas handicap the games, even though the NFL says that it prohibits gambling. What do you think: time to get rid of the injury reports?

John: I’m not smart enough nor do I operate at a high enough pay-grade to know all of the philosophical and moral reasons the NFL has an injury report. I do know that while many teams place some players on the injury report in far more “reluctant’ fashion than others, the presence of that injury report keeps all teams from hiding injuries. If there were no injury report – and no rule from the NFL that teams had to disclose injuries – 99.9 percent of head coaches would respond to injury questions by saying “It’s our policy not to discuss injuries.” There are worse things in the broad scope of life, but within the world of people following the NFL, that wouldn’t be a positive development.

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

There is no one that knows quarterbacks better than Tom Coughlin. If he says is the man, then he is. Blake Bortles is going to be a star in this league.

John: #DTWD

Nick from Miami, FL:

Can you please explain to me why the Jaguars haven’t tried out as a linebacker? He seems more naturally suited for linebacker than defensive end, we have a need at linebacker, and he was underwhelming at defensive end this year. I’ve never understood this.

John: The Jaguars used Dante Fowler Jr. at defensive end last season because they believed he was the best fit the Leo defensive-end role for which he was drafted. It will be interesting to see what the Jaguars do with Fowler moving forward. Do they find a 3-4 linebacker-type role? Do they see him as an outside linebacker? Does he continue to play with his hand on the ground? I agree that he has a lot of traits of a really good outside linebacker and it will interesting to see if the Jaguars can find a way to use him there. But as far as the Jaguars having a “need” at linebacker … OK. I guess. Actually, not really.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

Outside of Tom Coughlin being brought back nothing has changed. I expect the record to reflect that.

John: Well, now there’s a surprise.

Conrad from InsaneClownville:

Hey Oehser, when do you predict the Jags will win the Super Bowl? Also, what’s your favorite hobby?

John: Someday before I retire. As far as a hobby … lifting. I pretty much like to lift anything heavy as much as possible. It’s a rush like no other.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Go big or go home

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Garrett from Albany, NY:

O, I know the staff is committed to Bortles. However, if Kirk Cousins somehow slips into free agency would you say the team makes a run at him? I’d be willing to pay him whatever he wants to come to Jacksonville. He’s proven his worth with worse receivers in Washington. Go Jags!

John: I wouldn’t go overboard pounding the table about the staff being head-over-heels “committed” to . Yes, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin said last week “Blake Bortles is our quarterback,” but this staff has yet to delve deep into the Jaguars’ personnel and has yet to finalize its offensive philosophy. A lot of that is going on now and will continue in the coming weeks. A lot of analysis and decision-making needs to happen before we know the exact level of commitment there is to Bortles or any other player. I believe Bortles will probably start Week 1 for the Jaguars’ next season, but I don’t believe right now the Jaguars are blindly assuming that will be the case and exploring no other options. Could Cousins be among the players they explore? I doubt it because teams usually don’t let capable, effective quarterbacks hit unrestricted free agency. We’ll see.

Brian from Greenwood, IN:

Dan Marino and John Elway as the best quarterbacks of the 1980s to mid-1990s? I think you forgot Joe Montana, who many consider the GOAT.

John: Montana did skip my mind. At the same time, I would put Montana with Elway and Marino in a group of the best quarterbacks of that era – not as the GOAT.

Tony from Section 148:

O-Zone, my dude! As I’m sure you have noticed, a lot of Jags fans are clamoring for drafting a big-school, splash running back whose skills will without a doubt translate into the league. However, I think it’s important that we remind them that we can get a big-splash player like Peppers, Adams, or Allen in the first round and still get an awesome value pick in the second round such as Samaje Perine from Oklahoma. The guy did set an FBS single-game rushing record, after all. What do you think? Should we let them know? Also, does Dave need any help in the scouting department? I’m available! Call me, Dave!

John: Tom Coughlin and David Caldwell … hire this man!!!

Andrew from Sampson, FL:

If the Jags were to decide to part ways with , how likely is a trade? What would his value be? Fifth or sixth round?

John: First off, I don’t know that we can assume the Jaguars are parting ways with Julius Thomas, because I don’t know that we can assume all that much about the roster moving forward yet. Assumptions left town when Coughlin arrived. As far as Thomas, I don’t imagine the Jaguars would be able to get much more than a sixth or seventh-round selection for him – and even that would be a major surprise. That has nothing to do with Thomas’ value as a player and everything to do with many other teams likely believing that the Jaguars are ready to move on from Thomas. When that’s the case, teams prefer to wait for the player to be released rather than give up value in a trade. That’s because free is better than, you know … not free.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

In your opinion, how likely is it that SenDerrick Marks is back with the Jaguars in 2017?

John: Quite likely – and I think he should be back. I say that because one thing the Jaguars need is experienced, veteran players who have respect in the locker room and who are proven performers. Marks is such a player.

Tony from Section 148:

I’m not sure how often this is brought up, but I think the key to fixing this team in general – on both sides of the ball – is in the turnover ratio. Since we were 30th or so in the league last year in turnover differential, what can Coughlin – and specifically Marrone and crew – do to improve this?

John: Improve the running game. Improve the decision-making at quarterback. Get in fewer third-and-obvious situations. Get opponents in more third-and-obvious situations. Improve the pass rush.

Aaron from White Hall, AR:

I’ve seen people lately talking about if the players will be able to handle a more “old-school” style of discipline. It’s been my experience with the NFL that if a player doesn’t want to go along with what the coaches say and have him do then he will no longer be employed by that team.

John: I’m so-o-o-o not worried about this being an issue – and I honestly can’t imagine Marrone or Coughlin worrying about it being an issue, either. Most NFL players adapt to their coaching/environments and are capable of working within a structure. If they experience success or improvement within that structure, then they will continue to function within it. If they don’t experience success or improvement, then the locker room and the culture typically will start to go bad because players will complain, point fingers, whatever. It’s sort of, you know … human nature.

Brian Not a Season Ticket-Holder anymore:

Same OC, Same DC, Same Interim Coach. Basically, if you don’t believe in Caldwell’s vision or Blake Bortles, you either a) will be fired or b) won’t be hired. The fans demanded change; we didn’t get it. The players even wanted change; they’re not getting it. The Kool-Aid pitcher is empty. Sorry John, I’m a big downer today. You have to understand the skepticism.

John: There’s no need to apologize. That’s because it’s understandable to look at those three positions – offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and head coach – and think, “Nothing has changed.” But the thought that a belief in David Caldwell’s vision or a belief in Blake Bortles is driving the decision to retain Hackett, Wash or Marrone … well, it’s just not the case. Look, I get that the coordinator and head coach hires don’t feel like changes. But Marrone will not be the same head coach as Gus Bradley and I don’t sense that Hackett/Wash will be the same coordinators next season as they were at the end of last season. I also don’t get the idea that the roster is going to be status quo, either. The Jaguars in a very real sense barely have begun their offseason and the process of moving forward. There are a lot of decisions to make and a lot of analyzing to do before that happens. It may look similar right now, but I don’t think this thing will have a familiar feel very long.

Rob from Brunswick, GA:

While I am super-excited to see Tom back, I have a hard time thinking he’s going to “save” the franchise from our losing ways. He isn’t drafting players, coaching or playing. While I am certain he would make a huge difference as a head coach, I find myself wondering just how much difference a 70-year old who has never met any of the players on the roster can make from his office. But, if he’s not in his office and he’s on the sidelines at practice or in the locker room then he’s “meddling.” I suppose I’m just having trouble with the idea that in his current position he can make that much of a difference.

John: Don’t get the idea that Coughlin’s going to be sitting in his office out of touch with what’s going on on the field or in the locker room. He’s going to have the same sort of influence any executive charged with running an NFL team would have – providing direction, making decisions on personnel, providing input on hires, setting the tone for the organization. Doing those things doesn’t guarantee Coughlin will “save” the franchise. A lot of things must happen right for this thing to turn around. But don’t think Coughlin won’t influence this organization in his position. He absolutely will. And he already has.

Mark from CP, Maryland:

The Jags were a successful organization early because of their ability to draft in the first round. Since “Shack” Harris we haven’t had a successful first-round pick since – maybe . Every year – whomever we draft – I’m a fan of them because I’m a fan. I’d like to see whomever we pick be good at football at the highest level. O-Man, can you get this done?

John: Hold on.

John from Jacksonville:

In my opinion, I think Tom Coughlin and the coaches must be thinking this is a really great chance to be quick heroes for the 2017 season. With the talent we have on the team and the fact that we were close in the fourth quarter in most of our losses, all we need are some adjustments (not any overhauls) to have a winning season and go to the playoffs in 2017. I’m confident winning will be the new norm and we aren’t as far away as our record this past season would indicate. Mark me down for 10-6 or better.

John: Whoa … OK.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Indeed he did

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Tom from Charleston, SC:

Same offensive coordinator, same defensive coordinator, same head coach from within the same staff … As much as I would like to be excited, I’m afraid that it is more of the same.

John: Your fear is understandable, because in terms of titles and names, the Jaguars’ coaching staff indeed looks pretty familiar. That became sort of official Wednesday evening when the Jaguars announced that Nathaniel Hackett will return as offensive coordinator. Because Todd Wash returned as defensive coordinator, that means both coordinators remain the same as at the end of the 2016 season. And yes, because Head Coach Doug Marrone was the assistant head coach-offense/offensive line coach since the beginning of the 2015 season, that means the team’s top three coaches all previously were on the staff. But does that necessarily mean all stays the same? It absolutely does not. While Marrone served under former Head Coach Gus Bradley for 30 games, it’s reasonable to assume his approach differs greatly, with Marrone approaching the NFL in a much more traditional, hard-edged old-school style than did Bradley. And while Hackett was the offensive coordinator the last nine games of last season he was running former coordinator Greg Olson’s offense – because there’s simply not time to overhaul an NFL offense on the fly during the regular season. I also believe Wash will make significant changes to the defense. So, are the names much the same as last season? Yes. Will the approach be the same? No. Does that excite you? Well, I can’t control your excitement – and frankly, I’m not sure I want to do so.

Dennis from Macclenny, FL:

Hey John: Really enjoyed Jaguars.com Live Wednesday. When Charley Casserly was asked if he believed was the guy, there was no mention of his record of past performance or bad mechanics or coaching changes but more about his work ethic and motivation and needing to see if that drive to succeed is there. You’ve been around Blake a few years now. What do you think?

John: First, it’s likely Casserly is not as well-versed in the details of Bortles’ issues as those of us who follow the Jaguars on a daily basis, but yes: I think Bortles has the desire and the drive to be successful. I believe as a young quarterback he is in the process of trying to find the way to best work and improve that will yield results for him. That’s sometimes much more difficult than it sounds.

Patrick from Rutherford:

“So I’m sure he’s thinking playoffs soon – like now. It’s realistically a long trip from 3-13 to the NFL postseason so I’ll be more conservative and say 2018 – but I definitely believe this team can push for a .500 record next season.” Do you really believe that statement? We all have been expecting to make the playoffs for the last four seasons (with realistic expectations), so I find it hard to believe that YOU believe we will make the playoffs as you say it year after year. Love your writing, but have to question you at some point. I hope you are correct though!!

John: What I question is how closely you are reading – and that’s OK: there’s no law that says you must read closely. But I at no point during the last four seasons or offseasons wrote or said that I expected the Jaguars to make the playoffs. That’s because I didn’t expect the Jaguars to make the playoffs in any of those seasons. And few observers who were being realistic thought the Jaguars had a chance to make the playoffs in 2013, 2014 or 2015. Now, many did predict it last season – and I believed the Jaguars would push closer to a .500 record. As for next season, I did not write that I expect the Jaguars to make the postseason in 2017. I wrote that I expect they will make a push for .500 – and I do believe that’s possible. Just as I believe the playoffs are possible in 2018.

Sam from Orlando, FL:

If you took 2015 Bortles and put him on the 2016 team, what do you personally think the Jags’ record would have been? Purely hypothetical, I know, but you gotta think maybe nine or 10 wins. We were close this past year – closer than the record suggests.

John: Although I realize I may be in the minority on this subject, I don’t believe putting 2015 Blake Bortles on the 2016 Jaguars team would have made a huge difference in the team’s record. That’s because 2015 Bortles wasn’t in fact all that much better than 2016 Bortles. Bortles in 2015 indeed was better statistically, but many of the same issues that were problems in 2016 were present in 2015 … decision-making at critical times, interceptions, inaccuracy and inconsistency on short and intermediate passes among them. Slow starts on offense and long droughts of ineffectiveness also were a season-long issue in 2015. The biggest difference between 2015 and 2016 for the Jaguars’ offense and for Bortles personally was in fact the inability to complete deep 50-50 balls to ; aside from that, Bortles was much the same quarterback both seasons. The Jaguars, remember, started slowly more often than not in 2015 and usually were playing from behind. They were involved in a lot more close games this past season, so Bortles didn’t get a lot of yards and production in situations when the Jaguars were throwing against defenses protecting large leads. Yes, the Jaguars were close to being better in 2016 – closer than the record suggests – and that’s a good thing. The primary issue remains the same as it was last offseason, though: can Bortles make strides in key areas such as pocket awareness, accuracy and decision-making to allow the Jaguars and himself to make a step as a franchise? That will be the key question facing the organization until it’s not.

Bill from Hawthorn Woods, IL:

Did the offensive-coordinator selection process surprise you? It just seems a touch odd to keep Nathaniel Hackett on staff while interviewing others. I suppose it isn’t much different than keeping Marrone while interviewing others for the head job – it just feels different somehow.

John: It’s actually not that unusual – though the reality is there’s nothing really unusual when it comes to how NFL teams hire head coaches and their staffs. The three weeks following the regular season are the NFL’s annual version of the Wild West – and conventional wisdom/norms often don’t apply. Assistants are often maintained under contract when there is a head-coaching change with the idea that they can be retained if the team eventually decides to go that direction. Considering the Jaguars had hired a new executive of football operations (Tom Coughlin) who understandably wanted to make sure the search for assistants was as thorough as possible, interviewing other assistants before deciding to hire Hackett made sense.

Charles from Midlothian, VA:

As you noted to Jim, the renovations keep EverBank Field “new.” As a season-ticket holder in the new club level, I can say without question it’s a NEW stadium experience. It’s not tradition in Lambeau Field and Soldier Field that keep those teams “happy” in their “older” stadiums, it’s the constant upgrades. What is left of the original Soldier Field isn’t much more than what’s left of the original Gator Bowl due to renovations. San Diego and Oakland have OLD stadiums that fell into disrepair. Owners didn’t invest and the city merely maintained. I would be willing to bet if San Diego invested half what Khan did in Jacksonville over a similar period before it became an issue, the Chargers wouldn’t be in Los Angeles. Personally, I hope to see “The Cover” added to the stadium, but other than that I can tell you the US Assure Club Level is as good as any stadium I have been in. It’s why I am a season-ticket holder.

John: Well said.

Frankie from the Mean Streets of Ponte Vedra, FL:

Will have to take a pay cut when he’s named quarterbacks coach?

John: I sense your tongue firmly in cheek here, but I’ll answer anyway. I don’t see Henne being quarterbacks coach of the Jaguars next season because I see Henne having a lot of seasons remaining as a backup quarterback in the NFL. With the money he can command as a backup, why in the world would he want to coach?

Scott from Wichita, KS:

I see a lot of talk about the exceptional quarterback play during these playoffs. Where’s the talk of the exceptional coaching on display? You mean to tell me it’s players making plays?

John: It’s always coaching in the NFL. Take that throw Aaron Rodgers made against Dallas in the final seconds, for instance. My wife and I were watching that game, and after the throw she turned to me said, “Hey, Hot Guy … that Green Bay guy coached the $#%# out of that play, didn’t he?” I turned to her and calmly said, “Why … yes, dear. Indeed he did.”

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Thorough

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Lovell from Jacksonville:

How long do you think it will take Tom Coughlin to get this team to playoffs? And do you guys really believe Chip Kelly can be a good offensive coordinator for the Jaguars?

John: Coughlin said shortly after he was introduced as executive vice president of football operations last week that he believes the Jaguars can win quickly. It’s not in Coughlin’s nature to think that a team he’s running won’t be successful, so I’m sure he’s thinking playoffs soon – like now. It’s realistically a long trip from 3-13 to the NFL postseason so I’ll be more conservative and say 2018 – but I definitely believe this team can push for a .500 record next season. I believe that because it was close in far more games than not this past season and some marginal improvement could make a huge difference. As far as Kelly is concerned, let’s not forget he hasn’t been hired as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator yet, so it’s probably OK not to assume that will happen. And if it does happen … yes, I do think he can be a good offensive coordinator for the Jaguars – and for a number of other NFL teams. He has had success offensively far more often than not in his career, so evidence suggests he is capable of putting players in a position to succeed.

Bob from Jacksonville:

I know the Jags are drafting fourth this year. Do they rotate the fourth spot with the Bears since they both finished with the same record, or is strength of schedule the determining factor?

John: The Bears and Jaguars will rotate the positions after the first round.

John from Jacksonville:

I’m noticing a lot of hires for position coaches before coordinator positions are filled. Not just with the Jaguars, but Denver and other places around the league. Has this always been the norm? It just seems to me that a coordinator would want to be in that conversation – but then again, I’m a science teacher and my football knowledge lies somewhere between “I can’t believe they ran that play” and “Man, that was an awesome play.”

John: This varies. There are times a coordinator has a position coach or two that he wants to bring on board, but there are other times the head coach knows who he wants coaching a position regardless of the identity of the coordinator. This often is decided based on the need for expediency. If an assistant is available and a head coach knows the assistant is a quality coach, he better hire him quickly – lest that assistant gets hired elsewhere.

Mike from Atlanta, GA:

I would rank the quarterbacks of this era – which is to say after the Elway/Marino/Favre era – as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger/Aaron Rodgers in that order. What Manning was able to do in planning and making changes at the line was groundbreaking and may never be duplicated. I watch Brady throw the football and think it would be very difficult to throw a better pass. I think Brady’s ability to get the football accurately and on time to anyone at any point on the field is unparalleled. If you have Brady at No. 3, who do you have at No. 2 and why put them ahead of Brady?

John: I don’t have Brady at No. 3. I considered Marino and Elway the best quarterbacks of the 1980s to mid-1990s, and I have Brady, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers as the best three quarterbacks since then – with Drew Brees hovering right on the edge of that group. I waver from day to day about the order of those three because all three do things I haven’t seen or imagined other quarterbacks doing.

Genuinejag13 from Jacksonville:

Mr. O, so the hope of being the quarterback of the future for the Jags depends on him going to his quarterbacks coach a couple of weeks each offseason?

John: The hope of Bortles being the quarterback of the future for the Jaguars depends upon him becoming more efficient, becoming more accurate, making better decisions and developing in a bunch of other areas. He believes part of his issue last season was a drop in mechanics and he believes that can be addressed working with his quarterbacks gurus/coaches in California. If he believes it … well, I won’t argue.

Jim from Meridian, ID:

With the exception of Soldier Field and Lambeau Field, I believe San Diego and Oakland had/have the two oldest stadiums in the league. In your expert opinion, how far down the road do you see the need for EverBank Field to be completely redone, or a new stadium built, in order for the Jags to keep up with the latest, greatest NFL stadiums?

John: Video boards. Locker rooms. Training facilities. US Assure Clubs. Fanduelville Deck. Pools. Daily’s Place. I list these not to show how many one or two-word sentences I can write in succession, but to point out that the Jaguars, Shad Khan and the city of Jacksonville essentially have been in the process for much of the last half decade of modernizing/renovating EverBank Field on the fly. Part of the motivation behind that is to keep EverBank Field among the latest/greatest NFL stadiums and not have to tear down and start over.

Fred from Naples, FL:

Zone – so does Tom Coughlin have the power to fire David Caldwell?

John: Coughlin oversees football operations, so he theoretically has the power to hire and fire anyone on that side of the organization. That’s obviously not something that’s a topic right now, and I don’t expect it to be any time soon.

Scott from Daytona Beach, FL:

It really comes down to the quarterback. Look at the four left standing right now. At least three of them are Hall of Famers and the other one can state his case with the season he had this year. It’s always about the quarterback.

John: Well, yes.

Billy from Murphy, NC:

I like the moves John, but let’s face it: Tom has to be the boss and control everything. It’s just who he is. I mean, the recent hirings of Perry Fewell and Pat Flaherty are all Tom Coughlin’s guys. I am worried he won’t allow Doug Marrone to have his own guys. I think Marrone is a little too enamored with Tom Coughlin. Only time will tell, but I am very skeptical.

John: Fewell and Flaherty are experienced, qualified assistants. They indeed appear to be Coughlin guys, but my guess is Marrone is pretty pleased to get coaches so qualified no matter whose “guys” they happen to be.

Ronnie from Section 118 and Kingsland:

, Tashaun Gibson, and said they felt caged/held back so to speak. With that, would you say it was from defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s scheme or could it have been from former head coach Gus Bradley keeping his hands in the defense? It seems Gus wanted Wash to run his defense instead of allowing Wash to create his own scheme. Am I seeing it wrong?

John: All indications are that there’s a good chance Todd Wash will make changes to the defensive scheme. As for what those changes are specifically, we don’t yet know. How much was last season’s scheme Bradley’s? How much would Wash have changed? That’s hard to say. Until now, Wash has been pretty closely associated with Bradley and Bradley’s defense. How he branches off from that and implements his own ideas will define the Jaguars’ defense next season – and will help define Wash’s future.

Bill from Rochester, NY:

Is the No. 4 overall pick too high to draft a safety? I’ve heard and read some great things about Jamal Adams. Cornerback is obviously is a premium position. Would you consider safety in a similar regard?

John: Cornerback is not generally regarded as being as premium as cornerback. It’s not unheard of to select a safety in the Top 5, but if you take one there you need to be really certain he’s going to be a once-in-a-generational, beyond-elite guy. Think Sean Taylor.

Dakota from Dupree, SD:

Zone, it has been a few days now. Have you figured out how things will come down from the top? Who is your boss now? Caldwell? Coughlin? Khan? I know things are stressful with change. How are you holding up?

John: I cry a lot and spend a lot of time alone at lunch … you know, just like college.

Shawn from Jacksonville:

Chip Kelly?!! What happened to Nathaniel Hackett? The offense was playing better at times once he took over. Now the pink slip?? That is NOT a Marrone call if it happens.

John: Breathe, Shawn … breathe. OK, you good? Look, the Jaguars hired a new head coach and a new executive overseeing football operations. They did this after finishing 3-13 and losing nine consecutive games in one stretch last season. It’s hardly unusual in such a situation for a team to interview various candidates and consider various options for the new direction of the franchise. Hackett remains on staff. He remains a consideration for offensive coordinator. We’ll find out soon enough. But to think that considering Kelly is a ridiculous move … well, when you’re 3-13 and trying to figure out the new direction, you’re probably better off not writing anything off as ridiculous until you at least give it a serious once over.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Officially speaking

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Michael from Tupelo, MS:

Chip Kelly … not sure how that would end up, but would be fun to watch. A lot of egos in that building.

John: This question is about Chip Kelly, the former Philadelphia Eagles/San Francisco 49ers/Oregon head coach who reportedly interviewed for the Jaguars’ offensive-coordinator position on Monday. This was a high-profile interview because Kelly has had a lot of success at times in the NFL – and some high-profile struggles at other times. I would certainly be intrigued by the possibility of watching a Kelly offense with the Jaguars – and I think there would be a lot of positives to the hire. Remember, while Kelly’s offense struggled in San Francisco, it was highly effective all three seasons in Philadelphia. His offenses also always have been effective running the ball – and the Jaguars need to improve their running game. As far egos … sure, Kelly has one – and he believes strongly in his offensive approach. But if he is hired, he would be the offensive coordinator and not the head coach. I don’t pretend to know Kelly, but I can’t believe he doesn’t understand the difference in the two positions.

E Nuff from Banner Elk, NC:

DUDE!!

John: Dude.

Michael from Middleburg, FL:

NFL Network says Chip Kelly may come to Jags. If so, I have zero confidence in anything Tom Coughlin does from here on out. Kelly has already ruined and been run off from two teams.

John: Doug Marrone is the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Whatever does or doesn’t happen with Chip Kelly and the Jaguars in the coming days, I don’t expect that to change.

Andrew from Honeytown:

NFL policy allows teams who replace their head coach to start organized team activities 14 days earlier than those who don’t. With Doug Marrone being assistant head coach for the past two seasons, does that still allow the Jags to get an early start to OTAs?

John: Yes. The Jaguars can start their offseason program April 3 whereas teams with returning head coaches can start on April 17.

Scott from Jacksonville:

Mike Mularkey assembled something of a dream team of experienced veteran coaches when he was here. They must have all stunk after all.

John: Contrary to the belief that it’s always coaching in the NFL – and also contrary to the belief that it’s never coaching in the NFL – coaching in fact is part of a multi-part equation in the NFL. You need good, organized, sound coaching and you need players believing in the direction of the franchise. That’s a base – and it’s hard to win if you don’t have those things. But having those things doesn’t guarantee success because nothing “guarantees” anything in the NFL – not even great coaching. (But don’t tell anyone, because it’s always coaching in the NFL).

Tim from St. Pete, FL:

Your comment about a big, game-breaking running back got me thinking. Ezekiel Elliot did pretty well for a No. 4 pick. Do you think we go running in Round One?

John: I’m usually not a running-back-in-the-first-round guy. One reason is that the position is so dependent on a player’s surroundings for success, and another reason is you usually can get production from running backs in later rounds. But there are exceptions to all “draft rules” and there are exceptions to the aforementioned Running Back Theory. The exception usually centers on a player having other-worldly, once-in-a-generational talent. If that’s the case, then running back at No. 4 … OK. Maybe.

Chance from Windsor, Ontario, Canada:

I would say 50 percent of the mock drafts that I’ve looked at have the Jags taking Jonathan Allen. Explain if you’d be happy if we got him considering the play of , , , – and even Sen’Derrick Marks if he is back? Do you think he’ll be available at No. 4? What’s our biggest need? I love Allen as a player, but can’t the team become better with a position we need more?

John: Defensive tackle is hardly the Jaguars’ biggest area of need. But at No. 4 overall you want a franchise-defining, elite-level talent if he’s there. If Allen is that, OK. That’s because the Jaguars don’t have enough franchise-defining, elite-level talents. Still, this would be surprising. Jackson is one of the elite talents on the roster and if there’s a player at another position that’s close to a defensive tackle at that spot I’d expect the Jaguars to go another way.

Tommy from Jacksonville:

New coaches are exciting and Tom knows something about football, but can we just fast forward to when is finally gone and we have a serviceable quarterback? I’m not sure what the worst record for a starting quarterback is, but I’m sure Bortles is pretty close to achieving it. Unfortunately, I have never missed a game of Bortles so I can tell you things will never change with him under center. Maybe an extra couple wins, but if you want to compete with Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Big Ben, Alex Smith, Dak Prescott, Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson we need a major upgrade.

John: This is an understandable reaction because we just finished watching a divisional playoff weekend that featured a bunch of quarterbacks playing at really high levels – and because we’re not far removed from a season in which Bortles did not play at a high level. The most fascinating, important question facing the Jaguars now that Coughlin is running football operations and now that we know Marrone is the head coach is what approach the Jaguars will take at quarterback. That’s a pressing question for the long-term and the short-term. We’re too early in the process to know the answer, but it’s a question that’s going to get asked a lot in the coming weeks. And when I say, “A lot,” I mean a lot.

Jesse from Layton:

In your answer to Marc from Oceanway, I believe you missed on Drew Brees. While it is hard to say the Chargers exactly “Gave up on him,” he did struggle early in his career and they brought in another quarterback and decided to go with the new guy instead of Brees and let Brees’ contract expire. In essence, it is the same thing. Young quarterback, the team brings in someone new, struggling quarterback goes elsewhere and gets a ring and a jacket.

John: I answered a question on quarterbacks who have been let go by teams before having success with other teams. In answering it, I included Jim Plunkett but did not include the likes of Drew Brees, Steve Young, Brett Favre, etc. I was answering the question with the idea that the quarterback in question would need to have failed to the point that most in the NFL doubted he could go on to great success. Young probably is a good example of this. Brees and Favre? Not so much. But even if you include a few of those aforementioned players, the list of quarterbacks who go on to be franchise quarterbacks after a team has given them up on them is comparatively short. Not that it’s impossible. But it’s rare.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

Jags ceiling is very low because of the quarterback position. Watching the playoffs and these quarterbacks really put into perspective how far the Jags really are from winning a championship.

John: The Jaguars were 3-13 with a struggling quarterback last season. As such, it was pretty apparent to anyone watching that the Jaguars were quite a ways from winning a championship … but yeah, Blake Bortles needs to accelerate his development quickly. It’s really difficult to make the playoffs and win there if you’re not getting a really high level of play from the quarterback position.

Zeleznoc from Jacksonville:

It has been interesting watching the playoff games and specifically some of the great running backs. I did observe that most of the teams that ran the ball well had fullbacks who blocked and led the way. Do you think the lack of a fullback may have reduced effectiveness of Jags runners? Do you anticipate new regime possibly adding fullback?

John: The need for a fullback depends on scheme. Teams have run effectively in recent seasons with a fullback and without. Some teams have used a slam-bam fullback with “fullback” in the job title very effectively and other teams have utilized an H-back type player who has other roles and is technically called something else. We’ll have a lot better idea about the future of the fullback position in the Jaguars’ offense once we know the identity of the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator.

Scott from Aurora, IL:

I’m so confused. I thought Nathaniel Hackett was being retained. Why do I keep hearing the Jags’ offensive-coordinator position is open and being interviewed for?

John: Hackett remains on the Jaguars’ staff – but while other news outlets reported early last week that he was being retain as offensive coordinator, the team never announced that. That’s a reason this website’s policy is to not report news until it is official – because until something’s official it’s often not … you know … official.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: All aboard

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Seamus from Columbus, MO:

Come on, dude! How do you ignore a question about everyone seeming to ignore ‘ remark that he was specifically instructed NOT to go work in California last offseason, directly impacting his mechanics?! Come on, dude!

John: Dude! First off, there has been a lot going on around the Jaguars so far this offseason other than Bortles! You know … like Tom Coughlin coming back to Jacksonville and that whole other story that broke last week about the Jaguars having a new head coach?! Also, dude: I get a lot of questions on a lot of topics, so just because I don’t answer your question doesn’t mean I’m “ignoring” it. Also, dude: I wrote about this in the O-Zone a couple of weeks back – soon after Bortles first talked about then-offensive coordinator Greg Olson not being crazy about him going to California to work with personal coaches last offseason. I said at the time that Olson preferred Bortles stay in Jacksonville to work with his receivers as opposed to going to California! And Dude: I think I also wrote at the time that while it seemed like a mistake in retrospect, there hadn’t been much evidence during organized team activities or even early in training camp/preseason that this had been a mistake! Dude, that’s because Bortles actually looked pretty good mechanically during that time and things didn’t seem out of whack until later in the preseason and regular season! Dude, I think everyone – Bortles included – now has a better understanding that he probably needs to work extensively with his quarterbacks coaches in California in the offseason! But, dude – no one’s ignoring it! It’s a topic! It’s being discussed. Dude!

Brian from Dunwoody, GA:

I’ve warmed some since my initial reaction to Doug Marrone being head coach, but I just can’t buy into the “winning” propaganda just yet. This team has tricked me too many times, and I’ll believe it when I start seeing results. This will be my first hype-less offseason.

John: Cool.

Brett from Seattle, WA:

I know it’s an impossible question to answer, but does Tom Brady make Bill Belichick better or vice versa in your humblest of opinions? After watching Saturday’s playoff game it made me wonder! Who made who?!

John: Brady and Belichick complement one another and, as with most things in football, their impact is intertwined. Belichick is perhaps the premier head coach of this era, and he has done a remarkable job of building a team where all players clearly understand what’s expected of them, and where all players clearly believe in the direction of the organization. Brady is one of the best two or three quarterbacks of this era, and the two now have the advantage of having worked together for more than a decade and a half. That means Brady has such a comfort level with the Patriots’ offense that a lot of what he does is second-nature and instinct. The Patriots are in the AFC Championship Game for a record sixth consecutive season. It’s doubtful that would be the case without either Belichick or Brady.

Greg from Boise, ID:

I love Tom Coughlin, but we all know he’s a control freak. I am wondering how Marrone, General Manager David Caldwell, and Coughlin can work together knowing Coughlin is a micromanager. As a former head coach, Tom should know the importance of the head coach picking his own staff, but it’s being reported that Coughlin has his fingers in that too, meaning Marrone doesn’t have final say in his coaching staff. The old adage “too many cooks spoil the soup” comes to mind. I love the idea behind the hire, I just can’t help but think bigger isn’t always better – and more is sometimes too much. It’s easy to say we are going to work as a team, but hard to do so when one is a known micromanager. Thoughts?

John: This is obviously a concern because that indeed is Coughlin’s personality: aggressive, confident, knowledgeable … a dominant presence in any situation. At the same time, Coughlin has coached in the NFL for much of the last two decades. He understands the dynamic necessary for a head coach to do his job – and he understands that a head coach must be allowed to be the head coach. Here’s guessing he’ll let Marrone be just that. But let’s not paint Coughlin’s “fingers” being involved in the staff search as something that has to be a bad thing. The Jaguars have hired Perry Fewell as secondary coach, Pat Flaherty as offensive line coach and Joe DeCamillis as special teams coach. That’s a lot of experience and four Super Bowl championships … so to the degree that coaching is important in the NFL, these by any measure are good hires.

HireChip from Jacksonville:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wonders if Chip Kelly could garner some consideration from the Jaguars as their offensive coordinator following the news that they interviewed him for their head-coaching job.

John: OK.

Mike from Yulee and Section 204:

O, so I am excited about the new hires in all the various positions. But it has a lot to do with who you put on the field. I believe the team has ton of talent without a doubt. So what position do we go for in free agency/draft? Obviously there are some areas that can improve, but if properly coached this team as it is should have a winning season next season. So, where should the focus be?

John: The details of this will get clearer in the coming weeks as we know more about schemes and offensive and defensive approaches. I also figure Coughlin and Marrone will keep a lot of their thoughts in this area to themselves. I’d be surprised if the Jaguars don’t address offensive line – and veteran pass-rusher should be appealing no matter the defensive scheme. As for running back? Well, Coughlin does like an explosive, powerful game-breaking back. Who doesn’t?

Keith from Stuarts Draft, VA:

Listening to Coughlin and Marrone’s press conference reminded me of Ric Flair announcing, “Now we go to school!” when he was preparing to put the figure-four leg lock on his opponent. Jags players, opponents and fans you have been put on notice. I’m ready, are you?

John: Sure.

Marc from Oceanway:

Has there been an NFL quarterback that struggled during his first several years, had their original team give up on them, and then went on to be successful somewhere else? I know Bortles has struggled, but he has also shown flashes of potential. My biggest fear is that we give up on him too soon.

John: Jim Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Raiders in the early 1980s after first his original team – the New England Patriots—and later the San Francisco 49ers gave up on him. That was a long time ago, and it hasn’t happened in some time. The reality is highly-drafted quarterbacks in this era typically get one opportunity to be a franchise’s quarterback. Once that opportunity passes, it’s usually gone and there aren’t many second chances.

Stephen from Glorieta:

I am truly optimistic, O-Man. I think hiring people with experience is great, especially when it’s experience in WINNING. I really like these guys who have been there to the big show and know what it takes to get there and how good it feels. Who else is able to really communicate that to a team? I think the players will respond to that as well, don’t you think? I also hope the discipline of the new team is well received. It’s time to get serious and put on a winning attitude 24/7. I won’t ask you for a prediction, but would enjoy hearing your take on how much this will change the climate of the team.

John: The Jaguars are putting together an experienced, capable coaching staff. Considering the comparative youth of the roster, that feels like a good thing to me. I think this team will respond to discipline because there was a feeling in the locker room and around the team at the end of last season that a change was needed. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how players might respond to the change, about whether they’ll accept discipline, about whether they’ll respond to a harder-edge culture. It’s my experience that most players respond and adapt to their circumstances. That’s particularly true when the changes come in the wake of a lot of losing. Players will be motivated. They’ll want to be a part of this moving forward. They’ll do what they’re asked to do in the manner they’re asked to do it. If they don’t do these things, a lot of them won’t be here, but the great majority of them will do it. It’s a new day. There will be emphasis in new areas. If that new emphasis results in winning, the Jaguars will gain momentum and there will be good times ahead. If not … well, it’s January 16. Let’s not think about that yet.

Pages: 12

O-Zone: Tears of a clown

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Don from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

How do you think the players are going to respond to the new culture? We know that some will want out. They will be asked to do things that they will not want to do.

John: I imagine the “new culture” will send some shockwaves through the Jaguars’ locker room, and I don’t doubt there will be day-to-day changes in meetings, practice, the locker room, etc. Still, I don’t foresee players being overwhelmed or confused by the changes. These guys have played football most of their lives for different coaches with different approaches. The atmosphere under Head Coach Doug Marrone seems certain to have a harder-edged, old-school feel than the atmosphere under former Head Coach Gus Bradley. Will that be a change? Sure. Will it cause players to flee for the door and go crying to their mommies? I don’t see that. They’re football players. They’ll adapt to the changes – or they won’t. If they don’t, I don’t get the impression saying good-bye to them will bother Marrone all that much. I don’t get the impression it will bother Tom Coughlin all that much, either.

Mr. Chan from Springfield, FL:

If Tom Coughlin is “Vice President” of Football Operations, then who is the “President” of Football Operations?

John: /Raises hand

Mike from Mount Isle of Palms, SC:

I am all for trading for Philip Rivers at any cost. Then maybe we could finally beat San Diego (uh-oh … Los Angeles)!!

John: I keep hearing about Philip Rivers to the Jaguars, and he indeed is an elite quarterback who usually gives his team a chance to win and who will go down as one of the better quarterbacks of his era. He’s a quarterback a lot of teams would love to have on their roster. I guess I haven’t heard yet why the Chargers are no longer one of those teams.

Joe from Jacksonville:

So, the Chargers can change their helmets design three times in a week. Not the Jags, though; we are stuck with the laughingstock helmets of the NFL. Why is that, Mr. O?

John: The Chargers have not changed their helmet design. The logos that have been seen this week were marketing logos and not helmet designs.

Jon from Ocala, FL:

Hi, John. Do you know the last time there has been an NFL season with no head-coaching changes? I would Google it, but I’d rather have you do that. Thanks!

John: I didn’t feel like Googling it, either.

Paul from Jupiter, FL:

Man, this really smells like David Caldwell got demoted to Head Scout. I thought Dave did a good job. Sure, the jury is still out on , but he had a lot of doubles and triples. Then again, why would he sign a three-year extension if he felt demoted?

John: Caldwell is more than head scout. Just how the responsibilities break down with Coughlin now on staff remain to be seen. I thought Jaguars Owner Shad Khan said it best this week when he talked about Caldwell being a talented young executive. He’s that – and the best thing that could happen for his reputation around the NFL is for the moves made by the Jaguars this week to work. If so, a lot of the players Caldwell has drafted in the last four seasons would be a huge reason – and Caldwell would then correctly get a lot of credit for the Jaguars’ success.

Dave from Jacksonville:

Something tells me you would like to see the Jags lose next year just to support your refrain of “coaching doesn’t matter.”

John: I’ve never to my recollection said coaching doesn’t matter in the NFL. I have said that coaching is often blamed far too much for everything that goes wrong in the NFL when in fact coaching of course is always part of it when something goes wrong – but rarely all of what goes wrong. It’s hard for people to accept that, because people want to blame one thing and want to rid their teams of one thing in the hopes that doing so will cure all that ails that team. I can’t control what is difficult for people to accept. What I can control is what I write here in the O-Zone – and what I often write here in the O-Zone is that it’s always coaching in the NFL … because, of course, it’s always coaching in the NFL.

Robert from Moorpark, CA:

Zones, are you as surprised as I am that teams are putting their trust in very young first-year head coaches? The guy for the Rams’ introduction speech was exactly the same as Gus Bradley’s except I’ve never even heard of the guy. “It’s not about winning … it’s about getting better every day … blah, blah, blah.” WHAT? Do teams not pay attention to what happens to other teams? I’m pumped for the Jags and Tomcat next season, though.

John: I’m not surprised teams are putting trust in young, first-year head coaches. One reason for that is I have ceased to be surprised at the decisions of NFL owners. These are wealthy, successful men who have the right to their own vision and often implement that vision without regard for outside opinion or conventional wisdom. I specifically was not surprised by the Los Angeles Rams hiring 30-year-old Sean McVay as head coach; his reputation as a young-up-and-coming coaching talent has been growing rapidly. As far as his introduction speech being similar to Bradley’s … that absolutely didn’t surprise me. It has become vogue among fans and observers to believe that everything that Bradley did, said or thought was absolutely and utterly wrong. That’s what happens when you lose as many games as Bradley did in a four-year period. And it’s wonderful that Coughlin and Marrone are speaking more about winning than Bradley did; that’s a shift in focus that could help change the culture and create a needed sense of urgency. The losing has gone on long enough in Jacksonville that clearly change was necessary. At the same time, the philosophy of getting better every day, focusing on improvement and not constantly talking about winning is by no means an idiotic, delusional approach. There are plenty of successful coaches, teams and programs that take the same approach. So, am I surprised when I hear other coaches discuss a similar philosophy? Not in the least.

Troy from Dover, PA:

How does this sound? … San Diego Jaguars

John: It sounds like some things you might find in a very famous zoo, and it also sounds like something an uninformed observer might say – or something a frustrated San Diegan might say. Considering the obvious, consistent commitment Jaguars Owner Shad Khan has shown to the city of Jacksonville for more than five years, it mostly sounds silly, outdated, petty, pointless, tone-deaf, sad, foolish, inaccurate and desperate – essentially, it sounds like something that isn’t happening.

Mark from Archer, FL:

John, count me among those who have been swayed after the press conference Thursday. With Coughlin running things, I expect us to win. This team needs a firm hand to guide – and now we have that with our VP and the coach that I have read that Coughlin wanted. If Marrone is good enough for Coughlin, he is good enough for me to coach the team.

John: #TCTWD

PK from Atlanta, GA:

With the recent hires of Vance Joseph, Anthony Lynn, Sean McDermott, Sean McVay and our own Doug Marrone, it seems NFL owners were less worried about making a big splash with name recognition than they were with hiring someone they felt could best do the job. History tells us that at least a few of these won’t be successful, and this is not a knock on Smith, Shanahan or McDaniels, but maybe fans don’t know nearly as much as we think we do sometimes. Thoughts?

John: Stop right there, PK. Fans are always right. So is the media. And it’s always coaching in the NFL. There are truths in life and there are TRUTHS – and we mustn’t forget the big ones.

Mike from Jacksonville:

When fans questioned the “culture” under Bradley, the team, this site and former players made us out be crazy. Now from the owner down all we hear is how we needed a new culture. So, essentially, we had to endure a losing culture for four years.

John: When teams lose, the culture is bad and gets changed. When teams win, the culture is awesome and stays the same. It’s professional sports’ circle of life.

Keith from Summerville, SC:

Will Tom Coughlin have any say on that square table you guys use for Jags of the Round table? I can’t watch the show just because of that table.

John: Coughlin mentioned this to me Friday at lunch. I knew this was a key moment in our relationship, and knew I needed to stand my ground or risk him losing respect for me forever. I gave him a blank look and began to cry.

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O-Zone: Still here

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Christian from Orlando, FL:

I am very happy with Tom and the attitude and direction he brings. I think Doug Marrone will have a much better handle on head-coaching duties than Gus did, at the very least. However, I can’t stand how little due diligence seems to have been done. An outside firm was hired and a handful of coaches were interviewed, but the man in charge wasn’t there for anything. He simply gave two names and said pick one? Anything that was done without Coughlin in the room was a waste of time and effort, in my opinion. How can Khan be so sure that this was the right direction for the franchise?

John: Your concern is understandable, but things in this case aren’t as they seem for a couple of reasons. First, the Jaguars interviewed five head-coaching candidates; that’s a standard, reasonable number. Also, your question implies that Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin had little knowledge about Marrone. Coughlin is legendarily diligent in preparation and had an entire offseason and season off this past year, during which he worked to stay close to the game and gather information on coaches, players, etc. If Coughlin offered Marrone as one of the two candidates who was right for the job, it’s safe to say he didn’t do so without careful consideration and research.

Matt from Orange Park, FL:

Hard to starboard! Ship righted. Titanic just got upgraded to a Win Craft. You heard it here first: Jags win Super Bowl LIV in Miami!

John: How many consecutive titles will that make?

Glen from Riverside:

I hear people saying Tom Coughlin is taking a big part of David Caldwell’s job. I tend to think Caldwell will continue in the same position and responsibilities, while Coughlin steps in and does more of Shad Khan’s job. What is your feel for this?

John: Coughlin’s duties as executive vice president of football operations will resemble those of Jaguars general manager David Caldwell far more than those of owner Shad Khan. Coughlin and Caldwell both primarily will deal with football operations – and Coughlin and Caldwell both will be heavily involved with shaping the direction of the team and building the roster. Khan certainly has interest in those areas, but he doesn’t delve into the details on a daily basis.

Austin from Orlando, FL:

What a difference a couple of years make. I remember when everybody said Wayne would sell the team to someone that would move it to L.A. Instead, both St. Louis and San Diego lost their teams while Wayne sold it to a guy committed to keeping it in Jacksonville. Can we get a one fer Khan and a one fer the Weavers?

John: One fer Khan. One fer the Weavers. #DTWD

Jeremy from Dodge City, KS:

O, if I could make a quick statement to all the fans out there: Tom Coughlin believes in . It’s time to stop doubting Bortles and get behind – and believe in – him as our quarterback!!! I’m thinking at least playoffs … at least!

John: Coughlin has been in his position for less than a week, and he pretty much started in the building on a full-time basis Friday. Coughlin and Marrone on Thursday both said Bortles is the quarterback. They will dive deep, deep into personnel and roster evaluation in the coming months, and they will certainly look at every position on the Jaguars – and all players available in free agency and the draft. That includes quarterback. What direction the Jaguars go at all of those positions remains to be seen. I don’t think there’s any question Bortles will have a chance to be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback next season. I think there’s a good chance he will be the starting quarterback. But to say it’s a guarantee he’s the Week 1 starter? No. Not yet.

Kyan from Le Mars:

Ben Roethlisberger in his third season had fewer yards, fewer touchdowns and more interceptions than Blake Bortles in his third season. I know you can’t assume that Blake will be as successful as Big Ben, but hopefully Doug can put him in a better situation and he can be a franchise quarterback. He is young; he just needs to grow. As Aaron Rodgers would say R-E-L-A-X.

John: I suspect Bortles will have every chance to be the Jaguars’ starting quarterback next season.

Pradeep from Bangalore, India:

Hi John, with increased criticism on Blake Bortles by fans and media, I still believe he for sure will be the improved quarterback the Jaguars are hoping for. He has always displayed great leadership qualities when we lost so many games. Plus, he is always humble and willing to learn. We just need to be patient for one more year.

John: I imagine we’ll see improvement from Bortles because I believe he is aware what he needs to do to improve in the offseason – and I believe he feels an urgency to do so. I believe he worked last offseason, but now realizes that the work needs to involve basics and fundamentals with his personal quarterbacks coaches in California. He has shown the benefits of offseason work before. We’ll see if he can make similar strides this offseason.

Scot from Aurora, IL:

If the OTTO position is to go away, would it make sense to move Poz to the strong-side linebacker position to make room for my guy, , at the middle-linebacker position? I only ask because his ceiling is supposedly absurd in its height.

John: I wouldn’t rule it out.

John from Cape May, NJ:

I mentioned this idea a few months ago during the darkest moments of the season, and with the recent news of Chargers moving to L.A. – combined with the fact that Shad Khan wants to win now – and throw in the fact that Philip Rivers has publicly stated he does not want to play in LA – could the Jags pull the trigger on a deal? Considering Rivers had a down season, where I believe he led the league in picks, he would be a prime buy-low candidate. If all it took was a second-round pick, and perhaps a later-round pick in the 2018 draft, I think that’s a deal you make. The time to win is now, and Rivers would give us a much better chance than Blake ever will.

John: It’s fine for Rivers to not want to play in Los Angeles. And it’s true he didn’t have his best season this past season. I like Rivers as a quarterback very much and I think he would improve most teams’ quarterback situations, including the Jaguars. But as tempting as it may be for fans to think of trading for Rivers … well, considering he’s still an elite quarterback – and considering how tough it is to find elite quarterbacks – I’ll believe the Chargers are trading Rivers when I see it.

Hugo from Albuquerque, NM:

John, now that the new regime has officially said the word “winning” what can be done if this team still doesn’t win after having said that magic word?

John: Panic, chaos … you know, the normal responses.

Marcus from Jacksonville:

In my estimation, Doug Marrone and Mike Smith were the best candidates for the Jags’ head-coaching job, so I was pleased with the Marrone hiring. I am even more pleased as I have seen the hirings made by other teams … a lot of young, inexperienced coaches (in terms of head coaching). I am also surprised Smith didn’t land one of those jobs and chose to extend with the Bucs. Do you think that was his choice, or do you think teams weren’t as interested in him as previously thought? I assumed he would be one of the first coaches to be hired.

John: I thought Marrone and Smith felt very similar in several ways, with the most important way being that both had proven they knew how to win in the NFL. Marrone’s record wasn’t as impressive as Smith’s, but he had a winning record in his second and final season, so the grade was “incomplete” and certainly not failure. There are a limited number of head-coaching jobs open in every offseason and more candidates than can be hired. That means some qualified candidates aren’t going to get jobs. I figure Smith will get a head-coaching job next offseason. We’ll see.

Michael from Middleburg, FL:

Coughlin is not a god, a genie or even a miracle worker. Let’s wait until he does something to improve the Jags before anyone appoints him one.

John: Fair point.

Gabe from Washington, DC:

What is the minimum number of times that Coughlin/Caldwell/Marrone must say “winning” in order for the Jags to have a winning season? There has to be some research on this.

John: I have some calls out on this. I’ll report back when I hear more.

Jerell from Columbia, SC:

I don’t think this new structure will work. I think Tom still wants to coach. He went out in New York kicking and screaming and Dave has been reduced to a high-paid scout.

John: Ladies and gentlemen … Jerell!!

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O-Zone: Classic

John Oehser Senior writer jaguars.com Follow John on twitter Like The O-Zone on facebook

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Trent from Fernandina Beach, FL:

Who has more say in who the team drafts: the general manager or head coach? And does one of them have all of the drafting control?

John: Who has what level of say over who an NFL team drafts depends on how a team’s front office is structured – and that depends on how each particular NFL owner wants it structured. In the case of the Jaguars, general manager David Caldwell and executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin – as well as head coach Doug Marrone – will work as a team to come to decisions. Coughlin made that very clear throughout Thursday’s press conference at EverBank Field. Jaguars Owner Shad Khan made it equally clear at that time that the ultimate decision will be made by Coughlin.

Alexis from MD:

I’ve been a Raiders fan for years and I’ve been drawn to the Jaguars for a number of reasons other than them being a top-tier team. Do you think can actually get it together? Do you think the problem is him or a mix of his shoulder injury and offensive line? I’m loving the moves Jacksonville is making and I’m just praying for a great team in the years to come. I pledge my allegiance to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

John: Bortles sustained his shoulder injury in November, so whatever struggles he had this season at the most could be partially attributed to that situation. And while his offensive line wasn’t elite, he more often than not had time enough to be effective. Can Bortles get it together? That is the most important question now facing this organization. He has done good things. He played better in the last two games of the regular season in 2016 than he had during most of the first 14 games. He appears likely to spend a lot of time this offseason with his personal quarterbacks coaches, Adam Dedeaux and Tom House. He worked with them extensively in the 2015 offseason and made good offseason progress – and he realistically needs to make as much or more progress this offseason. Do I think he can do it? It’s possible, but far from a guarantee. As for your new allegiance … welcome aboard.

Daniel Since Day One:

He’s back! We missed you, Tom, and wish you all the best. Ya got some real good tools to work with, and I know you’ll get the most out of each one! May I suggest you start with this O-Zone character. … He works every day – I mean, for real. Every freakin day! And yet it seems like he’s not used to his full potential! I think you can get more out of him. Bring it… #tctwd #ozthd

John: #TCTWD … indeed. #OZTHD … nah.

Dave from L.A.:

Just watched introductory event. Tom and Doug are true football men. There’s an intensity and hunger for winning there that I haven’t seen in Jacksonville for quite some time. Count me as cautiously optimistic. See ya in September.

John: Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone both indeed have a hunger and intensity for winning, and they did an outstanding job articulating that during Thursday’s press conference.

Cliff from Las Vegas, NV:

Here we are four days later and I still can’t make clockwise circles with my right foot and draw a six in the air with my right hand at the same time … ahhhh, the offseasons in Duval.

John: Stay at it.

Tim from Lancaster:

The most positive way I can spin this hiring is hoping that it turns out like Mularkey did for the Titans with a seemingly uninspiring hire leading to unexpected success. Time will tell.

John: I wonder why people believe the Marrone hiring needs spinning, or why people believe it uninspiring. We’re talking about a head coach who went 9-7 in his final season with the Buffalo Bills and who also is a rare NFL commodity: a head coach with head-coaching experience whose last season featured a winning record and who never has been fired from an NFL head-coaching job. Considering that, is success really that unexpected?

Matt from Section 133:

I’m excited about having Tom Coughlin back. The man is a champion. But didn’t his decisions as de facto general manager during his tenure here lead to crippling salary-cap issues? I always got the perception that he was a brilliant head coach, but iffy GM-type. The memories of those days temper my excitement somewhat.

John: Yes, Coughlin’s 1990s/2000s Jaguars ran into brutal salary-cap issues following four consecutive playoff appearances. Such cap problems are far rarer in today’s NFL and there’s no reason that issue must repeat itself.

Bruce from Green Cove Springs, FL:

Jason Garrett. Art Shell. Don Coryell. Marty Schottenheimer. Marv Levy. All interim head coaches who went on to success as permanent head coaches. None of them supported by an executive vice president of football operations who coached a team to two Super Bowls. There is hope in Duval.

John: #DTWD

Chris from Section 437:

I’m fine with Bortles being the guy. I just hope they have him on a short leash next season with a legitimate backup plan in case the season starts off like 2016. This franchise can’t afford another lost season because of poor quarterback play. What do you think?

John: I think Bortles is the Jaguars’ quarterback right now, and I think Coughlin, Marrone, Caldwell and the next offensive coordinator will be having some intense, serious, well-thought-out discussions over the next few weeks about just what that means.

Stephen from Glorieta:

O-man, the title “Executive VP” that Tom Coughlin has … just what does that job entail? I don’t question his ability/knowledge in the least. I just want to know how involved he’ll be. I hope it’s a lot.

John: It entails what Khan wants it to entail. In this case, it entails that Coughlin is running the Jaguars’ football operations – and in the case of Coughlin, that means he’ll be involved a lot. In everything. And when it comes to the Jaguars’ football operations, that ain’t a bad thing.

Michael from Middleburg, FL:

After hearing who’s going to do what this year … if the Jags end up with a winning season and maybe even got into the playoffs … do you think Marrone will get credit from the public and media or will it fall to Coughlin?

John: I’ve never been good at knowing who’s going to get credit from the public and media when it comes to an NFL team. That’s probably because I don’t care much who gets credit from the public or media when it comes to an NFL team. What I do know is that if the Jaguars end up with a winning season, Coughlin and Marrone both probably will get a lot of praise. If they lose, I’m sure Marrone will get the blame. That’s because studies show that it’s always coaching in the NFL.

Lamar from Los Angeles:

Hi John, I’ve been a Jags fan from the beginning, and I need some help understanding why the Jags gave Tom Coughlin complete control over the roster. First, let’s not forget that Coughlin’s previous tenure with the Jags and most recent tenure with the Giants ended poorly. Disciplinarians who don’t win tend to lose favor quickly in professional sports. Second, I’ve read that Super Bowl-winning head coaches who go on to run a franchise often have trouble repeating their previous success, and none according to reports have even won a playoff game. Finally, I think Dave Caldwell has done a fine job in the draft, while Coughlin’s record as a talent evaluator/selector seems questionable, particularly in the later rounds of the draft. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

John: Khan gave Coughlin control of football operations because the Jaguars haven’t had a winning season 2007 and haven’t been close since 2010. And while all of the points you make are true – about the end of Coughlin’s tenures with the Jaguars and Giants, about ex-Super Bowl head coaches who eventually run franchises and about Dave Caldwell – this move isn’t about what has happened in other situations with other franchise. Success is difficult in the NFL. There’s no sure formula for finding it and just because one former NFL head coach failed in a certain role doesn’t mean a different head coach will follow suit. This is about Khan’s belief that what Coughlin can bring to this situation in this moment is what’s needed. Stay tuned.

Will from Orlando, FL:

Zone, I watched Tom Coughlin speak and I was immediately pumped, ready to take the field. SO EXCITED! #DTWD

John: “This is all nice and dandy, but winning is what this thing is all about.”

Jeff from Atlantic Beach, FL:

Something tells me Shadrick won lunch.

John: I was absolutely, positively certain after Thursday’s press conference that I wouldn’t hear a better line for a long time than “this is all nice and dandy, but winning is what this thing is all about.” Then, I read this email.

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