Big Cat Country Q&A: Will the Jaguars go 1-15?

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Let’s answer some Jacksonville Jaguars questions after our Week 6 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Today we’re talking about who gets fired, what I’d do if I were immediately hired as general manager, and if 1-15 is a distinct possibility.

Art from Drexel Hill, PA

Q: Who gets fired during the bye week?

A: Honestly? Nobody. Doug Marrone said after the game that as long as he’s the head coach, defensive coordinator Todd Wash is safe. If anyone gets fired it’ll be offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. He’s been the focus of most of Doug Marrone’s negative comments in postgame interviews, but I don’t think he gets fired less than half a season into his tenure here. Buckle up, Art.

Ryan from Baker County, FL

Q: At what point should Shad Khan step in? Additionally, at what point do you think he actually will?

A: He should have stepped in at the end of the 2018 season and cleaned house. As far as when he actually will? Uh... probably next season sometime. Shad Khan won’t step in until he absolutely has to. Besides, he’s very busy these days. He’s got a yacht to sell, after all.

Matthew from Edinburgh, Scotland

Q: How do we go about creating this “winning culture” I’ve been hearing about?

A: You start by getting rid of the losers. Success in Jacksonville will only happen by accident under Shad Khan’s watch. It will happen in spite of him, not because of him. Because Shad Khan isn’t planning on selling the team any time soon, I don’t know the answer to your question. Sorry, Matthew.

Liam from Webb City, MO

Q: Why do you think Doug Marrone hasn’t pulled the trigger and fired Todd Wash?

A: I think it’s because he knows he’s going to get fired sooner rather than later and wants to keep a good rapport with his assistants for the sake of future jobs.

Josh from Dayton, OH

Q: I want us to tank at this point but how do I enjoy watching a really bad team every week?

A: You watch it like you would a preseason game. How are our young guys doing? Is K’Lavon Chaisson getting better? Is C.J. Henderson improving? Does James Robinson have what it takes to be the long-term starter at running back? You find the wins where you can — because they certainly won’t be on the scoreboard.

Alec from Andersonville, CA

Q: At what point do we rally outside “The Bank” to get this franchise to go in a different direction? It’s getting ridiculous.

A: The only thing that will resonate with Shad Khan is if the fans collectively decided to cancel their season tickets. Judging by my mentions on Twitter and the questions I get in this column, there are still a whole lot of fans who are hopeful that 2021 will be different. And then 2022 will be different. And then... well, you get the picture.

James from Socorro, NM

Q: If the Jaguars lose the rest of their games, will there be a new general manager and head coach next year?

A: I would think so. But we went 3-13 in 2016 and everyone kept their jobs so... I don’t know, James.

Jack from Jacksonville, FL

Q: If you were to get made the new general manager, what would you do with this team right now and then the offseason to get this us back on track?

A: That’s a good question and I think it deserves a longer answer. But off the top of my head, right now I don’t think there’s a lot you can do to improve this team in the short-term or the long-term. Firing Todd Wash is the obvious answer and I’d probably do it just to get some new blood in that defensive game plan. I’d cut Taven Bryan outright. I’d lock Dave Caldwell out of his office. And I’d schedule a meeting with D.J. Chark’s agent. I’d probably try and lock up Sidney Jones and Keelan Cole for another few years. Same with Dawuane Smoot. Long term? I’d trade the farm for the No. 1 overall pick and take Trevor Lawrence. With whatever is left, I’d pick a tight end, an offensive tackle, and the best defensive lineman still available to me.

Ross from Jacksonville, FL

Q: With this tough 10 game stretch to finish the season, could the Jaguars really go 1-15?

A: Yes. I think we still get a fluke win or two, but I’d be surprised if this team does better than 3-13.

Ben from Noblesville, IN

Q: If Doug Marrone were to be fired during the season, who would fill in as interim head coach? I know we have Jay Gruden, Ben McAdoo, and Terry Robiskie, but do you think they would give someone like Keenan McCardell the chance to fill in?

A: Jay Gruden would immediately be named interim head coach. 100 percent.