New Jaguars owner Shad Khan spent $660 million to purchase the team with a wire transfer to founding owner Wayne Weaver on Wednesday. By the weekend, he might have a head coach.
Khan said he plans to act fast. He told the Florida Times-Union that only he and general manager Gene Smith know the candidates for the head coaching vacancy and that they already know the top three candidates. They've already interviewed candidates, including interim head coach Mel Tucker.
NFL Network reported the Jaguars have targeted three offensive coordinators -- Brian Schottenheimer (Jets), Bill O'Brien (Patriots) and Rob Chudzinski (Panthers). Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey also is expected to interview.
He said that fans will be surprised at how fast they name the coach.
Of what he is looking for in a head coach, he said, "First of all, chemistry. Chemistry with me, with Gene, really the whole organization. That person has to connect. We don't want an egomaniac who's going to come in with their system and basically, we'd be cleaning up the mess three years from now. They have to be a winner and they have to engage in the community. Those are really the three key things we are going to look for."
He added, "To me, this is not about money. You want to pay people a fair wage. This is about finding the right person."
When he was asked about the priorities besides finding a head coach, Khan said, "I think we have to look at the business aspect of this organization and get it where it is functioning. Not have any chimneys, but pretty much a flat well-run organization that is going to connect with the community. The tickets are absolutely vital. Not only for money. I think it's money secondary. The most important thing is to get the 12th person in the stands. To have the energy in the stadium where they're going to help our players win. That's probably the most important thing.
