It’s a New Era in Duval County

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made significant changes, marking a fresh start for the team after an impressive playoff run in 2023. There’s a sense of optimism buzzing around the facility—not just for the upcoming season but for a brighter future in a constantly changing league.

So, what’s behind this renewed hope? Let’s dive in.

Coaching Staff

The Jaguars had a talented roster, but issues with coaching hampered their performance last season. That’s changed now after owner Shad Khan made the bold decision to let go of head coach Doug Pederson and revamp the coaching staff. It was a risky move, especially since GM Trent Barke was still in place. Khan needed to navigate a tough decision—whether to keep Barke and lose out on potential head coaching candidates or start fresh. Ultimately, he opted for the latter, firing Barke when tensions arose over another coaching position.

Liam Cohen, who almost stayed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ended up accepting the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator role. This move has sparked interest within the league.

Following Cohen’s hiring, the Jaguars wasted no time revamping their staff. Grant Udinski joined as offensive coordinator from Minnesota, while Anthony Campanile came on board as defensive coordinator from the Green Bay Packers. The team also brought in James Gladstone as GM, forming what could be one of the youngest leadership groups in NFL history. Gladstone, at 34, is the youngest GM in the league. Campanile, at 42, is considered the veteran, while Cohen is 39, and Udinski is just 29.

Jacksonville is taking a gamble on this youthful ensemble, but there’s a belief that they can grow and thrive together. The optimism surrounding this group is palpable.

Grade: A-

Free Agency

The Jaguars had a comparatively quiet free agency period, primarily focused on shedding players tied to contracts from the previous regime. They traded WR Christian Kirk for a seventh-round pick in 2026 and released TE Evan Engram. They also let go of guard Brandon Scherff, signaling a new direction for the team. Gladstone expressed a desire to bolster the roster’s foundation through free agency, seeking to make more strategic signings without the drama of flashy acquisitions. Their major pickup was Jourdan Lewis, a nickel corner from the Cowboys.

They also added Patrick Mekari (guard), Robert Hainsey (center), and Diami Brown (wide receiver), among others, which helped improve the team’s overall depth. While none of the moves were particularly standout, they were solid choices that should contribute positively.

Grade: B

NFL Draft

As the draft approached, Gladstone and his team aimed to make a splash. They executed a significant trade, sending their fifth overall pick and a 2026 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns to move up to the second spot, where they selected WR/DB Travis Hunter from Colorado. This pick is expected to be key for the Jaguars, given Hunter’s high ceiling as an offensive playmaker.

Sure, it cost them, but considering who they landed, it seems worth it. Outside of the Hunter pick, the rest of the draft class looks promising. Tulane’s Caleb Ransaw offers versatility in the secondary, while Wyatt Milum from West Virginia brings needed toughness to the offensive line. Perhaps notably, they also selected two intriguing running backs on Day 3: Bhayshul Tuten from Virginia Tech, reputed to be the fastest in the class, and Lequin Allen from Syracuse, who caught 60 passes last season.

Overall, while Hunter’s pick carries considerable weight, the quality of the draft class looks solid.

Grade: B+

Jacksonville Jaguars Final 2025 Offseason Grade

If the Jaguars aimed to rise from last season’s struggles, they certainly made strides. Revamping the coaching staff was a highlight, emphasizing a fresh approach in both the draft and player acquisitions. They clearly distanced themselves from the previous management, achieving varying degrees of success along the way.

While they didn’t make any blockbuster signings, the choices they did make seem effective—perhaps enough to help the team improve from their 4-13 record. It’s easy to hope for progress, but just how much can we expect to see?

In general, this offseason appears to have been a positive step for the Jaguars, laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.

Grade: B+