New info on the Bill O’Brien, Jacksonville Jaguars interview revealed

Apparently, Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien didn’t have a great interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Reporter Jason La Canfora shared on Thursday that Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke had “hitched his wagon” to the former Houston Texans head coach, as well as new Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus. However, a supposed “rough” interview ended that conversation.

Now, it sounds like Baalke’s time in north Florida could be running out. “Lot of rumblings Baalke would be gone by the draft. Perhaps it’s sooner,” La Canfora added.

The Jaguars seem to be closing in on hiring former star Byron Leftwich away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, there are mixed reports surrounding the impending nature of the deal. The New Orleans Saints requested to interview Leftwich on Thursday, further complicating matters.

Bill O’Brien led Alabama’s offense to the national title game. The Crimson tide ranked 6th in scoring offense with O’Brien and Nick Saban, however, the Bulldogs held them to 18 points to take the championship.

Jags GM Trent Baalke is a figure of scorn among Jags fanbase. Hitched his wagon to Bill O'Brien (rough interview) and then Matt Eberflus, who got the Bears job. Lot of rumblings Baalke would be gone by the draft. Perhaps it's sooner https://t.co/YbfEtrUUYL

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 27, 2022

Jaguars still interviewing head coaching candidates

The Jaguars are currently heavily tied to one of the most memorable players to ever suit up for their franchise.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is one of the most meaningful players in the history of the franchise. The former Marshall star went in the 2003 NFL Draft and took 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.

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

On3’s Sean Labar contributed to this report.