Jaguars Hire Rams’ James Gladstone as New General Manager \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Los Angeles Rams executive James Gladstone as their new general manager, reuniting him with head coach Liam Coen. Gladstone, who spent years working under Rams GM Les Snead, now joins a leadership team full of first-timers aiming to turn the Jaguars around. He will be introduced Monday before heading to the NFL Combine to begin draft preparations.
James Gladstone Named Jaguars GM: Quick Looks
- New Leadership: Jacksonville hires James Gladstone as general manager.
- Rams Connection: Gladstone reunites with new Jaguars coach Liam Coen.
- Scouting Expertise: He played a key role in Rams’ draft strategy.
- Franchise Overhaul: Jaguars now have a first-time GM, HC, OC, and DC.
- Owner’s Confidence: Shad Khan praised Gladstone’s vision and communication skills.
- Beating the Competition: He was chosen over four other GM candidates.
- Draft Preparation: Jaguars hold the No. 5 pick and 10 total selections.
- Immediate Task: Gladstone heads to the NFL Combine next week.
Deep Look
The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially hired James Gladstone as their new general manager, marking a fresh start for the franchise after years of struggles. Gladstone, a key figure in the Los Angeles Rams’ scouting department, reunites with newly appointed Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, with whom he worked closely in L.A.
His hiring is part of a massive front-office overhaul, as Jacksonville attempts to rebuild a franchise that has lost 18 of its last 23 games. The Jaguars now feature a leadership group of first-timers, including Coen as head coach, Grant Udinski as offensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile as defensive coordinator, and Tony Boselli as executive vice president.
Gladstone will be officially introduced at the team facility on Monday, before heading straight to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine—his first major task as general manager. With the Jaguars holding the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Gladstone will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future.
A Rising Star in NFL Scouting: Who Is James Gladstone?
James Gladstone has spent the past eight years with the Los Angeles Rams, working under General Manager Les Snead. He served as the Director of Scouting Strategy since 2019, playing a critical role in evaluating college talent, crafting draft strategies, and helping the Rams build one of the most successful rosters in the NFL.
Gladstone’s experience in modern roster construction and talent evaluation was a major factor in his hiring. His time with the Rams gave him firsthand insight into how successful franchises operate, particularly under Snead and head coach Sean McVay.
In Jacksonville, he will now be responsible for overhauling a Jaguars team that has struggled with consistency, despite having key building blocks in place.
“James emerged as my choice, and our choice, following a painstaking but energizing interview process that left nothing to doubt,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said.
“In the end, we found James to be a class ahead and exceptional in every regard — vision, new ideas, communication, chemistry, and a keen understanding of the league and our team.”
The Jaguars’ New Leadership Model: A First-Time Team
The Jaguars are taking a bold approach by assembling a leadership team with limited top-level experience but strong developmental backgrounds.
- James Gladstone – First-time General Manager
- Liam Coen – First-time Head Coach
- Grant Udinski – First-time Offensive Coordinator
- Anthony Campanile – First-time Defensive Coordinator
- Tony Boselli – First-time Executive Vice President
This move represents a departure from traditional NFL team structures, where organizations typically seek veteran leadership to guide decision-making. Instead, Jacksonville is betting on new perspectives, collaboration, and innovative strategies to rebuild the franchise.
“It’s going to be fun watching James work with our football leadership team of Liam Coen, Tony Boselli, and Tony Khan, but most of all, it will be rewarding,” Khan said.
“I am confident of that.”
However, the lack of experience raises questions about whether the Jaguars’ new leadership team can navigate the challenges of the NFL effectively.
Why the Jaguars Chose Gladstone Over Other Finalists
Gladstone was selected over four other high-profile candidates for the GM position:
- Ian Cunningham – Chicago Bears Assistant GM
- Jon-Eric Sullivan – Green Bay Packers VP of Player Personnel
- Josh Williams – San Francisco 49ers Director of Scouting
- Ethan Waugh – Jaguars Assistant GM (served as interim GM)
Waugh was heavily considered for the role after stepping in as interim GM following Trent Baalke’s resignation on Jan. 22. However, the Jaguars ultimately opted for an outsider with fresh ideas rather than promoting from within.
Gladstone’s Immediate Challenges as Jaguars GM
As Gladstone steps into his first GM role, he faces several immediate challenges:
1. Navigating the NFL Draft and Free Agency
The Jaguars hold the No. 5 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, along with nine additional selections.
Gladstone’s scouting background makes him an ideal fit to reshape the roster, but he must also:
- Evaluate quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s supporting cast.
- Address roster weaknesses, particularly on the offensive line and secondary.
- Decide whether to pursue big-name free agents or focus on long-term development.
2. Adjusting to a Coach-Centric Leadership Model
Unlike a traditional GM role, Gladstone will operate in a coach-centric model, meaning that head coach Liam Coen will have significant input in personnel decisions.
This structure aligns with models used by teams like the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, where head coaches play a major role in roster construction.
Gladstone and Coen’s longstanding relationship from their time with the Rams should help smooth this transition, but their ability to collaborate effectively will be crucial.
3. Building a Sustainable Winning Culture
The Jaguars have struggled with inconsistency for years, despite flashes of potential. Gladstone must:
- Establish a clear identity for the franchise.
- Implement a long-term player development strategy.
- Maintain roster flexibility while avoiding costly mistakes in free agency.
With Jacksonville finishing 6-11 last season, the expectation is that Gladstone and Coen must show immediate progress.
What’s Next? Key Dates for Gladstone and the Jaguars
Gladstone’s first major assignment will be attending the NFL Combine in Indianapolis next week, where he will:
- Evaluate top draft prospects.
- Meet with agents and potential free agents.
- Collaborate with the coaching staff on draft strategy.
The 2024 NFL Draft (April 25-27) will be his first major test, as the Jaguars look to secure impact players with their 10 draft picks.
Additionally, free agency begins on March 13, giving Gladstone an early opportunity to reshape the roster.
Conclusion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Move for the Jaguars
James Gladstone’s hiring represents a bold new direction for the Jaguars. With a strong background in scouting and roster construction, he has the potential to help turn Jacksonville into a consistent contender.
However, the Jaguars’ inexperienced leadership team faces significant pressure to produce results quickly.
As Gladstone begins his tenure, the NFL world will be watching closely to see if Jacksonville’s fresh approach pays off—or if the franchise’s struggles continue.
Jaguars Hire Rams’ Jaguars Hire Rams’
