Jaguars still interviewing head coaching candidates, despite conflicting reports

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been heavily tied to one of the most memorable players to suit up for their franchise to come back home and revamp a franchise that has struggled for decades.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is one of the the most meaningful player in the history of the franchise. The former Marshall star was drafted by the organization in the 2003 NFL Draft and went on to take the starting job from Mark Brunell.

Leftwich led the Jacksonville Jaguars to two winning seasons, including a trip to the playoffs in 2005.

Since forming a close bond with Tom Brady–and earning his trust– Leftwich orchestrated the high-powered offense that brought Tampa Bay its first Super Bowl last year. In 2021, the Buccaneers ranked second in the NFL in total offense in 2022, just behind the Dallas Cowboys.

While multiple reports this week have linked the former Jags’ passer as the frontrunner to fill the vacancy left by Urban Meyer, other reporters and insiders say a deal for Leftwich to return to the Jacksonville Jaguars is possible, but far from a done deal as they continue to interview top-tier candidates.

It's not over yet. #Jaguars will have a second interview Thursday with Green Bay Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett, per NFL source.

— Eugene Frenette (@GeneFrenette) January 27, 2022

Earlier on Wednesday, Adam Schefter reported the Jags are still thoroughly interviewing prospects and no deal is imminent at this time.

Jaguars continue talking with Bucs OC Byron Leftwich and Colts DC Matt Eberflus, amongst others, but are not close to a deal with anyone at this time, per sources. Jags still haven’t decided which way they’ll go. Organization still going through the process and figuring out.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2022

Who will coach the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022?

As of now, it seems like there are conflicting reports surrounding Leftwich and the thinking of the Jaguars’ ownership.

Earlier Tuesday, Pro Football Talk published a piece that sighted Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud — who has sources within the Bucs’ organization with a solid pulse on Leftwich –saying the Jaguars are trying to finalize a deal with Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich to become the team’s new head coach.

According to Stroud, current Buccaneers receivers coach Kevin Garver could follow Leftwich to the Jacksonville Jaguars as a potential offensive coordinator.

Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians said he would consider taking back play-calling duties should Leftwich get a head coaching job. It increasingly looks like that will be the case, the Pro Football Talk piece stated.