Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell to return for 2020 in same role

After much speculation, the Jaguars and owner Shad Khan has announced the retention of general manager Dave Caldwell.

Caldwell’s retention comes shortly following the team’s win against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars have finished with a record of 6-10 — another disappointing season following the team’s 5-11 showing just last season.

Caldwell was originally hired by Khan prior to the 2013 season as general manager, and has maintained that position for now six years. After relieving EVP of Football Operations Tom Coughlin of his duties just two weeks ago, reports surfaced indicating that Khan would prefer to retain Caldwell, and likely head coach Doug Marrone.

Since 2013, the Jaguars have undergone a series of roster turnover under Caldwell’s leadership. In his first four drafts (2013-2016), only 6/32 (18.75%) of the players selected under Caldwell’s leadership remain, including center Brandon Linder, wide receiver Marqise Lee, guard A.J. Cann, tight end Ben Koyack defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, and linebacker Myles Jack. After 2016, the Jaguars opted to hire Coughlin, in essence demoting Caldwell from having final say.

Under Coughlin, the Jaguars saw several talented players — acquired originally by Caldwell —, such as wide receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, linebacker Telvin Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey ousted by the team via free agency, release, trade or otherwise.

Caldwell has landed a few marquee players for the Jaguars roster, however the team missed on a potential franchise quarterback in Blake Bortles (currently on the Rams), and have attained only one winning record in six years.

Under Caldwell’s leadership as general manager, the Jaguars have achieved a record of 36-76, which included one playoff birth and an AFC Title game appearance in the same season (2017). The Jaguars are now hedging their bets that Caldwell can acquire enough talent to bring the team to similar heights in 2020 and beyond.

After the Jaguars parted ways with Coughlin, Shad Khan released a statement indicating the expectations for the 2020 season remain high, and it would seem yet another losing season would not cut it.

According to Khan, the Jaguars will not be hiring a new Executive Vice President role, and the two of Marrone and Caldwell will report directly to Khan himself as they have for the past weeks with Coughlin out.