Ethan Waugh in contention for Jaguars' GM position?

The Jaguars are the lone NFL team with a general manager vacancy. The interview process is underway, so the list of finalists among external candidates will soon be narrowed down.

It was recently learned that at least one internal staffer was set to receive strong consideration. It appears that the candidate is interim GM Ethan Waugh. Waugh is a “strong” candidate to receive the gig full-time, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Waugh worked in the 49ers’ front office alongside Trent Baalke from 2005 to 2016, rising to vice president of player personnel for the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. He joined Baalke in Jacksonville in May 2022, taking on his current AGM title. Although the team has not performed well over the past three seasons, Waugh is nevertheless in contention to oversee the front office.

Baalke was not dismissed alongside head coach Doug Pederson after the season ended, something which came as a surprise to many. However, the Jags’ head coaching search was seen as being impacted by Baalke’s ongoing presence, and the timing of a secret second interview with eventual hire Liam Coen coincided with the decision to change the front office. Despite being a first-time HC, Coen plays a central role in searching for Baalke’s replacement.

Coen’s top choice looked to be former Buccaneers colleague Mike Greenberg, but he withdrew from Jacksonville GM consideration. Several other external candidates have since received an interview request, with some virtual meetings already taking place. It will be interesting to see if Waugh also interviews for the full-time gig.

Via PFR’s GM Search Tracker, here is an updated look at how things stand for the Jaguars:

• Chad Alexander, assistant general manager (Chargers): Interview requested
• Brandon Brown, assistant general manager (Giants): Interview requested
• Trey Brown, senior personnel executive (Bengals): Interviewed 2/12
• Ian Cunningham, assistant general manager (Bears): Interview requested
• James Gladstone, scouting director (Rams): Interviewed 2/12
• Terrance Gray, vice president of player personnel (Bills): Interviewed 2/12
• Mike Greenberg, assistant general manager (Buccaneers): Declined interview
• Jon Robinson, former general manager (Titans): One of top candidates?; Interview scheduled
• Ethan Waugh, interim general manager (Jaguars): Strong candidate?
• Josh Williams, director of scouting and football operations (49ers): Interviewed 2/11