The Jacksonville Jaguars have appointed James Gladstone, a former Los Angeles Rams executive, as their new general manager, marking his collaboration with head coach Liam Coen. This decision was made official on Friday and signifies a significant step in the team’s restructuring process.
Gladstone has an extensive background with the Rams, having served as the director of scouting strategy since 2019. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with Rams general manager Les Snead throughout the draft process, proving instrumental within the scouting department since joining in 2016. His experiences underpin a strong foundation as he transitions into his new role.
During his previous four years with Coen at the Rams from 2018 to 2020 and again in 2022, Gladstone gained valuable insights from Snead and head coach Sean McVay, enhancing his acumen for player evaluation and team dynamics. In his new position with the Jaguars, he joins a cadre of newcomers aiming to revitalize a team that has struggled significantly, losing 18 of its last 23 games.
The Jaguars have also employed other first-time positions, including Coen as head coach, Grant Udinski as offensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile as defensive coordinator, and Tony Boselli as executive vice president. This fresh start aims to reinvigorate the franchise’s prospects moving forward.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan expressed his confidence in Gladstone’s capabilities following a comprehensive interview process, noting that he stood out among the candidates. “James emerged as my choice, and our choice, following a painstaking but energizing interview process that left nothing to doubt,” Khan stated. He praised Gladstone for his exceptional qualities, such as his vision, innovative ideas, communication skills, and deep understanding of both the NFL and the Jaguars’ needs.
Gladstone emerged victorious among a competitive field of five finalists, which included Ian Cunningham, assistant GM of the Chicago Bears; Jon-Eric Sullivan, vice president of player personnel for the Green Bay Packers; Josh Williams, director of scouting for the San Francisco 49ers; and Ethan Waugh, the Jaguars’ assistant GM.
Waugh had temporarily taken on the GM duties after Trent Baalke stepped down on January 22. Now, Gladstone enters a coach-centric leadership environment and inherits a roster that holds potential to compete in the AFC South imminently while also needing significant improvements in various areas in the upcoming months.
James Gladstone is set to be introduced at the team’s facility on Monday before heading to Indianapolis for the NFL combine. As the Jaguars hold the fifth overall pick in April’s draft, along with nine other selections to be made over three days, Gladstone will have ample opportunities to shape the team’s future.
