Yes, but most fans blame him for not being able to get back there the past two seasons

I blame him for not adequately addressing the team's biggest needs in a meaningful way last offseason. He tried with EA, MM, Davis, Savage, and Darby, but it seems to have been a complete failure. I applaud him for a few of the things he's done like the BTj deal in the draft, that was savvy and a great job. My constant and only real complaint is in the philosophy behind his moves and unwillingness to move on from guys like Cam Robinson and Brandon Scherff when it's time (last offseason for instance).

This is why I fear him being back in 2025. Because his logic may very well be that he doesn't need to look at LT since he's extended Walker Little and he doesn't need to address RG since they were working Cooper Hodges in that position last year prior to his injury. He's probably thinking he's also safe with the swing tackle position since he drafted Javon Foster in the fourth round last year.

This is why it's imperative that he works closely with the new coaching staff and gets the philosophy right. If the new guy wants 325+ behemoths that are more downhill and less east to west footwork wise? He has to start shifting his focus now and building his draft board towards that direction. This is why I get pissed off with Khan with the half measure [BLEEP].

You're asking a brand new coach from a completely different background to come in here and work with a guy that's Frankenstein'd the roster over the last five years based on two, three different coaching styles and various systems. It's just destined to fail. It's also hard to truly gauge or maximize what you TRULY have in guys like Travon Walker, Tyson Campbell, Trevor Lawrence, etc. 

Now, you're going to have yet another offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator put into place with their jargon, their system and their philosophy and you're going to expect all these guys you just paid out the [BLEEP] to rise above and figure it all out in three, four months.

Tough [BLEEP], Jack. Tough [BLEEP].

---

"What do I know of cultured ways, the gilt, the craft and the lie? I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs - I was a man before I was a king."

Took the second option, maybe he just likes to build with a heap of late bloomers, but with TLaw's deal still being relatively cheap, fans and team (I surmise) sick of the perpetual ineptitude, I want him to have a sense of urgency. Build for today, not two years from today. Get guys who are going to yield results and get us in the postseason reliably. Use your cap room and draft capital in a way that makes sense - patch where patches are the best option, draft where value fits.

Last year was a double punch in the gut, we whiffed bad in FA and frittered away picks in an OL-heavy darft class, only to see the offense appear underprepared and for Trevor to again struggle through injury.

I'm curious to see who of the HC candidates will or will not work with him.  This could be a costly decision for Shad.

I think Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson and Kellen Moore would potentially steer clear from here. Which should bother him. Vrabel being the defensive version of Pederson, minus the actual Superbowl Cinderella win. Ben due to coming from and currently working within a great culture in Detroit. Kellen because he has an interesting background of success with everywhere he's worked.

I think Vrabel has ties obviously to New England and perhaps Vegas with Brady there, but I could absolutely see him taking this job.  I get the sense he wants full power and thought he had earned it in tackland but had the rug pulled out from underneath him.  He could view Baalke's current stature here as a means of coming in with essentially full control or perhaps having it a year from now here.  And he'd get the opportunity to shove it to Amy Strunk Adams twice a year.  I wouldn't rule him out.

---

I think Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson and Kellen Moore would potentially steer clear from here. Which should bother him. Vrabel being the defensive version of Pederson, minus the actual Superbowl Cinderella win. Ben due to coming from and currently working within a great culture in Detroit. Kellen because he has an interesting background of success with everywhere he's worked.

I think Vrabel has ties obviously to New England and perhaps Vegas with Brady there, but I could absolutely see him taking this job.  I get the sense he wants full power and thought he had earned it in tackland but had the rug pulled out from underneath him.  He could view Baalke's current stature here as a means to coming in with essentially full control or perhaps having it a year from now here.  And he'd get to opportunity to shove it to Amy Strunk Adams twice a year.  I wouldn't rule him out.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings.

---

"What do I know of cultured ways, the gilt, the craft and the lie? I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs - I was a man before I was a king."

I blame him for not adequately addressing the team's biggest needs in a meaningful way last offseason. He tried with EA, MM, Davis, Savage, and Darby, but it seems to have been a complete failure. I applaud him for a few of the things he's done like the BTj deal in the draft, that was savvy and a great job. My constant and only real complaint is in the philosophy behind his moves and unwillingness to move on from guys like Cam Robinson and Brandon Scherff when it's time (last offseason for instance).

This is why I fear him being back in 2025. Because his logic may very well be that he doesn't need to look at LT since he's extended Walker Little and he doesn't need to address RG since they were working Cooper Hodges in that position last year prior to his injury. He's probably thinking he's also safe with the swing tackle position since he drafted Javon Foster in the fourth round last year.

This is why it's imperative that he works closely with the new coaching staff and gets the philosophy right. If the new guy wants 325+ behemoths that are more downhill and less east to west footwork wise? He has to start shifting his focus now and building his draft board towards that direction. This is why I get pissed off with Khan with the half measure [BLEEP].

You're asking a brand new coach from a completely different background to come in here and work with a guy that's Frankenstein'd the roster over the last five years based on two, three different coaching styles and various systems. It's just destined to fail. It's also hard to truly gauge or maximize what you TRULY have in guys like Travon Walker, Tyson Campbell, Trevor Lawrence, etc. 

Now, you're going to have yet another offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator put into place with their jargon, their system and their philosophy and you're going to expect all these guys you just paid out the [BLEEP] to rise above and figure it all out in three, four months.

Tough [BLEEP], Jack. Tough [BLEEP].

I actually think Baalke was handcuffed by trying to give Pederson what he wanted on OL and will address it differently with a new coach. Remember - Khan mandated they make personnel decisions 'together" 

Unpopular opinion - but I seriously think the mishandling of that personnel group was more Doug than Trent. 
When the post-2023-season pressers happened, it was clear Trent was livid about the trenches being rag dolled on our end and it seemed like Doug was hesitant to admit that was an issue. 
I think Trent was using those pressers as a way to pressure Doug to relent from his IOL philosophy.
Meanwhile we have three years of draft season pressers wherein Doug goes on and on about the importance of athletic traits in O-Linemen. (opposite of "get bigger and stronger") 

 I think they had a major disconnect there and neither of them got what they wanted as a result,  because they both compromised their ideals. The QB and run game paid the price.

---

I think Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson and Kellen Moore would potentially steer clear from here. Which should bother him. Vrabel being the defensive version of Pederson, minus the actual Superbowl Cinderella win. Ben due to coming from and currently working within a great culture in Detroit. Kellen because he has an interesting background of success with everywhere he's worked.

I think Vrabel has ties obviously to New England and perhaps Vegas with Brady there, but I could absolutely see him taking this job.  I get the sense he wants full power and thought he had earned it in tackland but had the rug pulled out from underneath him.  He could view Baalke's current stature here as a means of coming in with essentially full control or perhaps having it a year from now here.  And he'd get the opportunity to shove it to Amy Strunk Adams twice a year.  I wouldn't rule him out.

If the Khans are feeling drawn to the current stat of affairs in Detroit, this could indeed be the way they steer the ship. 

Vrabel's probably the closest thing on the market to that philosophy.

The obvious question then is "who will be the QB whisperer and scheme wizard?" 
TL must have a system put in place that both utilizes his skillset and challenges him to grow beyond his current weaknesses. 

Doug thought he could generate QB success by limiting the amount of reads and localizing the reads to one half of the field frequently.
But rather than making things easier he was unwittingly filling the playbook with low percentage passes. 

The next guy needs to help TL make all the reads in 2 seconds. Not limit them or stack them all in one area.

---

This is why I fear him being back in 2025. Because his logic may very well be that he doesn't need to look at LT since he's extended Walker Little and he doesn't need to address RG since they were working Cooper Hodges in that position last year prior to his injury. He's probably thinking he's also safe with the swing tackle position since he drafted Javon Foster in the fourth round last year.

This is why it's imperative that he works closely with the new coaching staff and gets the philosophy right. If the new guy wants 325+ behemoths that are more downhill and less east to west footwork wise? He has to start shifting his focus now and building his draft board towards that direction. This is why I get pissed off with Khan with the half measure [BLEEP].

You're asking a brand new coach from a completely different background to come in here and work with a guy that's Frankenstein'd the roster over the last five years based on two, three different coaching styles and various systems. It's just destined to fail. It's also hard to truly gauge or maximize what you TRULY have in guys like Travon Walker, Tyson Campbell, Trevor Lawrence, etc. 

Now, you're going to have yet another offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator put into place with their jargon, their system and their philosophy and you're going to expect all these guys you just paid out the [BLEEP] to rise above and figure it all out in three, four months.

Tough [BLEEP], Jack. Tough [BLEEP].

I actually think Baalke was handcuffed by trying to give Pederson what he wanted on OL and will address it differently with a new coach. Remember - Khan mandated they make personnel decisions 'together" 

Unpopular opinion - but I seriously think the mishandling of that personnel group was more Doug than Trent. 
When the post-2023-season pressers happened, it was clear Trent was livid about the trenches being rag dolled on our end and it seemed like Doug was hesitant to admit that was an issue. 
I think Trent was using those pressers as a way to pressure Doug to relent from his IOL philosophy.
Meanwhile we have three years of draft season pressers wherein Doug goes on and on about the importance of athletic traits in O-Linemen. (opposite of "get bigger and stronger") 

 I think they had a major disconnect there and neither of them got what they wanted as a result,  because they both compromised their ideals. The QB and run game paid the price.

True. We'll see soon enough I guess.

---

"What do I know of cultured ways, the gilt, the craft and the lie? I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs - I was a man before I was a king."

As usual you nail the key areas that need addressing (maybe we can send it to Baalke just to make sure he knows the problems).

We do have some cap to make a move or two in FA. There are a few players we can move or restructure to open up a bit more. Baalke and Shad seemed to double down on the roster being strong in their press conference and that better coaching would fix a lot of the current problems. I agree to that to an extent, especially with the D but Baalkes FA'S were a disaster this season and he has to hit on any decision he makes with FA. 

We have some good draft capital to address areas and I don't want to put too much expectations on rookies to come in and perform straight away but we MUST draft some guys that can contribute. D line, secondary and Oline are my top priorities for incoming players.

Better coaching will certainly be a big help too. I don't like that all the blame is being pushed onto Doug but the D was horrendous and the O was nowhere to be seen for big parts of games. 

I guess we'll see with the new staff just how much Doug was at fault and how much it was on Baalke.

---

Devil's advocate given rewatching the press conference, Prisco's interview, and some of the other "reports from the Jags FO" is that Khan has for some time believed the football operation should be HC fronted with them having more power than the GM.

It was Khan's 'master' plan with UM. And now 'supposedly' Doug had more power than Baalke did in the FO/Admin and with Khan. I remember a lot of people waived off the UM draft as all Meyer's credit/fault and say he completely overruled Baalke. Also for example, supposedly Baalke wanted Press gone last year, but Doug supposedly overruled him or won that decision. Even if Baalke won the decision to hire Neilsen, that could have also been a situation with limited options given most people knew Pederson was on a hot seat.

So would Khan firing Doug actually be cutting the head off the "head of the snake" instead of Baalke being the head of that snake that most of us have presumed. If that is true, perhaps more credit/blame for the draft picks and free agency should go to Doug instead of Baalke?

Even during the press conference yesterday, Khan's response to "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" makes way more sense if Baalke is organizationally more of an operations person/lower case evp with some input but not the person with the most power or always with final say compared to a GM with more traditional linear hierarchal structure that other franchises utilize. That would also make more sense with Khan's answer to if a new coach wanted to replace Baalke, then Shad would listen to him.

---

Devil's advocate given rewatching the press conference, Prisco's interview, and some of the other "reports from the Jags FO" is that Khan has for some time believed the football operation should be HC fronted with them having more power than the GM.

It was Khan's 'master' plan with UM. And now 'supposedly' Doug had more power than Baalke did in the FO/Admin and with Khan. I remember a lot of people waived off the UM draft as all Meyer's credit/fault and say he completely overruled Baalke. Also for example, supposedly Baalke wanted Press gone last year, but Doug supposedly overruled him or won that decision. Even if Baalke won the decision to hire Neilsen, that could have also been a situation with limited options given most people knew Pederson was on a hot seat.

So would Khan firing Doug actually be cutting the head off the "head of the snake" instead of Baalke being the head of that snake that most of us have presumed.  If that is true, perhaps more credit/blame for the draft picks and free agency should go to Doug instead of Baalke?

Even during the press conference yesterday, Khan's response to "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" makes way more sense if Baalke is organizationally more of an operations person/lower case evp with some input but not the person with the most power or always with final say compared to a GM with more traditional linear hierarchal structure that other franchises utilize. That would also make more sense with Khan's answer to if a new coach wanted to replace Baalke, then Shad would listen to him.

Sounds really, really [BLEEP] backwards then, and, probably explains a lot as to why this team has routinely had challenges being consistently good.

---

"What do I know of cultured ways, the gilt, the craft and the lie? I, who was born in a naked land and bred in the open sky. The subtle tongue, the sophist guile, they fail when the broadswords sing; Rush in and die, dogs - I was a man before I was a king."

Devil's advocate given rewatching the press conference, Prisco's interview, and some of the other "reports from the Jags FO" is that Khan has for some time believed the football operation should be HC fronted with them having more power than the GM.

It was Khan's 'master' plan with UM. And now 'supposedly' Doug had more power than Baalke did in the FO/Admin and with Khan. I remember a lot of people waived off the UM draft as all Meyer's credit/fault and say he completely overruled Baalke. Also for example, supposedly Baalke wanted Press gone last year, but Doug supposedly overruled him or won that decision. Even if Baalke won the decision to hire Neilsen, that could have also been a situation with limited options given most people knew Pederson was on a hot seat.

So would Khan firing Doug actually be cutting the head off the "head of the snake" instead of Baalke being the head of that snake that most of us have presumed.  If that is true, perhaps more credit/blame for the draft picks and free agency should go to Doug instead of Baalke?

Even during the press conference yesterday, Khan's response to "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" makes way more sense if Baalke is organizationally more of an operations person/lower case evp with some input but not the person with the most power or always with final say compared to a GM with more traditional linear hierarchal structure that other franchises utilize. That would also make more sense with Khan's answer to if a new coach wanted to replace Baalke, then Shad would listen to him.

Sounds really, really [BLEEP] backwards then, and, probably explains a lot as to why this team has routinely had challenges being consistently good.

True. That set up also explains these elements too:

Ryan Nielsen, not officially fired.
Press Taylor, not officially fired.
Trevor Baalke, not officially fired.

But the new HC would have the ability to come and weigh in on all their jobs possibly replace any/all of them if he can convince Khan. 

That again suggests the most power is actually with the HC.

---

Khan's the smartest man in the room

Tank in 2025 - Hire new GM Jan 2026
Draft Arch Manning
Traded Trevor for a top offensive lineman (Jets, Giants, etc.)
Spend in free agency with all the salary cap space freed up by the Trevor trade.

---

Took the second option, maybe he just likes to build with a heap of late bloomers, but with TLaw's deal still being relatively cheap, fans and team (I surmise) sick of the perpetual ineptitude, I want him to have a sense of urgency. Build for today, not two years from today. Get guys who are going to yield results and get us in the postseason reliably. Use your cap room and draft capital in a way that makes sense - patch where patches are the best option, draft where value fits.

Last year was a double punch in the gut, we whiffed bad in FA and frittered away picks in an OL-heavy darft class, only to see the offense appear underprepared and for Trevor to again struggle through injury.

I'm curious to see who of the HC candidates will or will not work with him.  This could be a costly decision for Shad.

If you believe Pete Prisco and his source in the building - plus Shad Khan's own words at the presser a few days ago - potential HC candidates are being given input into not only F.O. decisions but potentially F.O. personnel changes. 

In other words - the right HC candidate could potentially suggest a change at GM if the braintrust are sold on that HC candidate. 

It's weird and convoluted, but if they want to insure they get all of the guys they like to show up to an HC interview, this is one way to do it.

Convoluted is an understatement.

You involve the GM in the interview process, and ask him to have a say in who we bring in, and we think he'll be on board with anyone who even hints that they have GM replacements in mind?
You sit a candidate across from the current GM and ask them whether they want to work with part of the panel that may hire him, or if he wants to cut his own throat by recommending someone else?

Convoluted indeed. Shad doesn't want to do the dirty work. If you trust TB enough to keep him around, you commit to him. If you don't, why are are you letting him be a part of the process? I remember Johnson saying one of the things he was seeking was a team with unified direction, and this is a heaping helping of red flags in my book regarding unity. It's noncomittal, but maybe Shad is a heckuva salesperson.

---

If you believe Pete Prisco and his source in the building - plus Shad Khan's own words at the presser a few days ago - potential HC candidates are being given input into not only F.O. decisions but potentially F.O. personnel changes. 

In other words - the right HC candidate could potentially suggest a change at GM if the braintrust are sold on that HC candidate. 

It's weird and convoluted, but if they want to insure they get all of the guys they like to show up to an HC interview, this is one way to do it.

Convoluted is an understatement.

You involve the GM in the interview process, and ask him to have a say in who we bring in, and we think he'll be on board with anyone who even hints that they have GM replacements in mind?
You sit a candidate across from the current GM and ask them whether they want to work with part of the panel that may hire him, or if he wants to cut his own throat by recommending someone else?

Convoluted indeed. Shad doesn't want to do the dirty work. If you trust TB enough to keep him around, you commit to him. If you don't, why are are you letting him be a part of the process? I remember Johnson saying one of the things he was seeking was a team with unified direction, and this is a heaping helping of red flags in my book regarding unity. It's noncomittal, but maybe Shad is a heckuva salesperson.

Aside from any misgivings about Trent Baalke, this is the best HC opportunity out there.  We have an owner who is willing to spend money and who stays out of football decisions.  And we're starting with a good bit of talent to work with.  

It's really easy to resolve this whole issue.  Any candidate should ask Shad Khan right up front, would I be completely in charge, and can I have my own GM?  

This is not hard.

---

Here is Trent's basic to-do-list. Is he capable? 

1. Land a capable HC that can build T-Law an offense he'll thrive in.
   

This has to be done. Can't get a defensive-minded HC. 

1. Get that offense a capable OL - he has recently added Cleveland, Harrison and Morse who are all capable enough - but Little at LT is an injury-prone question mark, and RG would benefit from adding a clear front-runner to start that will aid our short yardage issues. 
   

Little starts but has a back up drafted. I'm not sold on the 4th rounder Foster. RG needs a huge upgrade. Scherff isn't working out. I would still look for depth behind C and LG too.

1. There are some intriguing guys at DT right now who may step up, but it certainly seems a stud interior rusher could rapidly change our fortune on defense. Armstead just came out saying he wants to play the middle for the Jags in 2025. That will help. Maason Smith started to flash late in his rookie year, so what will he be in '25? Who would you target to help this group? 
   

As much as I agree, I don't think this will be a priority in the early rounds. It's likely they will stick with the same guys in 2025. The secondary needs serious help. And I could be in the minority here on this one: Upgrades at the LB positions too.

1. BTJ was a wise choice and has added a boon to our offense despite a bevy of other issues around him on 2024.  However - the team lacks another outside receiver capable of keeping defenses honest consistently. If the team retains both Engram and Kirk, this issue is somewhat assuaged, but I'd still love to see Baalke acquire a Z receiver that is much better than what we got from Gabe Davis in 2024. 
   

Parker Washington is a 4 with a possible 3. Gabe Davis needs to go. Tetaiora Mcmillan would be hard to pass up at pick 5 as much as CB is a huge need. (If he is still available at 5.) Also the uncertainty on Kirk in the off-season seeing as how there were trade rumors with the Steelers before the deadline.

1. SECONDARY -  this is the big one, IMO. The other position have seen Baalke land some degree of talent in the past. Even if DT is a bit of a question mark there. 
   As far as I can tell - Baalke has drafted Tyson Campbell and Jarrion Jones  + he signed Darious Williams (and let him walk inexplicably).  Other secondary acquisitions have been bad.  Though - it appears Nielsen's scheme and deployment may have made that all appear much worse than reality in 2025. A good outside CB+ a good FS and a solid SS would be a boon for this team. 
   

Agreed. Will Johnson could be the likely pick.

---

If you believe Pete Prisco and his source in the building - plus Shad Khan's own words at the presser a few days ago - potential HC candidates are being given input into not only F.O. decisions but potentially F.O. personnel changes. 

In other words - the right HC candidate could potentially suggest a change at GM if the braintrust are sold on that HC candidate. 

It's weird and convoluted, but if they want to insure they get all of the guys they like to show up to an HC interview, this is one way to do it.

Convoluted is an understatement.

You involve the GM in the interview process, and ask him to have a say in who we bring in, and we think he'll be on board with anyone who even hints that they have GM replacements in mind?
You sit a candidate across from the current GM and ask them whether they want to work with part of the panel that may hire him, or if he wants to cut his own throat by recommending someone else?

Convoluted indeed. Shad doesn't want to do the dirty work. If you trust TB enough to keep him around, you commit to him. If you don't, why are are you letting him be a part of the process? I remember Johnson saying one of the things he was seeking was a team with unified direction, and this is a heaping helping of red flags in my book regarding unity. It's noncomittal, but maybe Shad is a heckuva salesperson.

When we hire physicians, we include nursing staff as part of the interview process and get their input even if the physician would end up being their boss. When my dad's company was replacing their COO and EVPs, they had lower level people as part of the interviewing team even though the new person could end up firing them or changing their role. 

I get that it is not common in sports or the NFL. But it happens in the real world.

It makes sense if Shad effectively views the Head Coach as the main person in charge. We also have no idea who is selecting the names for the interview process. Yes physical/operations side of that is Baalke, but he may have less input than we all think he does. It could be that Tony or Ethan have a larger influence/sway. Or that Khan is actually actively involved like he was when he hired Urban Meyer.

Everyone seems to have this preconceived notion of this being Jafar and the Sultan, but none of us really know the dynamics and politics going on with the Jags.

---

Convoluted is an understatement.

You involve the GM in the interview process, and ask him to have a say in who we bring in, and we think he'll be on board with anyone who even hints that they have GM replacements in mind?
You sit a candidate across from the current GM and ask them whether they want to work with part of the panel that may hire him, or if he wants to cut his own throat by recommending someone else?

Convoluted indeed. Shad doesn't want to do the dirty work. If you trust TB enough to keep him around, you commit to him. If you don't, why are are you letting him be a part of the process? I remember Johnson saying one of the things he was seeking was a team with unified direction, and this is a heaping helping of red flags in my book regarding unity. It's noncomittal, but maybe Shad is a heckuva salesperson.

When we hire physicians, we include nursing staff as part of the interview process and get their input even if the physician would end up being their boss. When my dad's company was replacing their COO and EVPs, they had lower level people as part of the interviewing team even though the new person could end up firing them or changing their role. 

I get that it is not common in sports or the NFL. But it happens in the real world.

It makes sense if Shad effectively views the Head Coach as the main person in charge. We also have no idea who is selecting the names for the interview process. Yes physical/operations side of that is Baalke, but he may have less input than we all think he does. It could be that Tony or Ethan have a larger influence/sway. Or that Khan is actually actively involved like he was when he hired Urban Meyer.

Everyone seems to have this preconceived notion of this being Jafar and the Sultan, but none of us really know the dynamics and politics going on with the Jags.

So you think Baalke is going to give a favorable evaluation to a candidate who prefers to bring in a different GM?  We all know Shad likes consensus. 

Your nurses don't generally end up fired by the new physician you hire, do they? Do you think that would sway their decision, if the doc promises to clear out existing staff and bring in their own team once they are offered the job? That's putting a whole lot of trust into people's character, and maybe I'm just too pessimistic, but I don't see that playing out on the up and up.

---

If you believe Pete Prisco and his source in the building - plus Shad Khan's own words at the presser a few days ago - potential HC candidates are being given input into not only F.O. decisions but potentially F.O. personnel changes. 

In other words - the right HC candidate could potentially suggest a change at GM if the braintrust are sold on that HC candidate. 

It's weird and convoluted, but if they want to insure they get all of the guys they like to show up to an HC interview, this is one way to do it.

Convoluted is an understatement.

You involve the GM in the interview process, and ask him to have a say in who we bring in, and we think he'll be on board with anyone who even hints that they have GM replacements in mind?
You sit a candidate across from the current GM and ask them whether they want to work with part of the panel that may hire him, or if he wants to cut his own throat by recommending someone else?

Convoluted indeed. Shad doesn't want to do the dirty work. If you trust TB enough to keep him around, you commit to him. If you don't, why are are you letting him be a part of the process? I remember Johnson saying one of the things he was seeking was a team with unified direction, and this is a heaping helping of red flags in my book regarding unity. It's noncomittal, but maybe Shad is a heckuva salesperson.

The way I see it is that Khan already had the HC in the drivers seat with Pederson. 
They said they were making picks and acquisition decisions "together" but if they fired the HC and not the GM - it points toward the likelihood that the HC was really calling the shots at the end of the day. 

Is that backwards to conventional hierarchy? Yes, but it's hardly the first time (or twentieth time)  a coach has been handed the keys in the NFL. 

Shad clearly blames Doug more than he blames Trent but is also noncommittal about Trent.
 Culpability assigned IMO. 

Does that make it odd involving Trent in a search for a guy that might want him gone? 
Yeah - but he seems to have been living in that reality for the past 4 years anyway - so he knows the deal. 

They've put together a great list of coaches and asked to interview all of them.

The only questions now are these:

• Can Khan+Baalke+Waugh+the rest of their committee pick the right guy? 
  
• If Khan is open to a HC suggesting F.O. changes, don't you think he sees he'll have to navigate that carefully in interview sessions that include Baalke?  i.e. separate conversations are clearly going to be had with candidates to guage their comfort level working with Trent. Does that have to be a bad thing? 
  

---

Convoluted is an understatement.

You involve the GM in the interview process, and ask him to have a say in who we bring in, and we think he'll be on board with anyone who even hints that they have GM replacements in mind?
You sit a candidate across from the current GM and ask them whether they want to work with part of the panel that may hire him, or if he wants to cut his own throat by recommending someone else?

Convoluted indeed. Shad doesn't want to do the dirty work. If you trust TB enough to keep him around, you commit to him. If you don't, why are are you letting him be a part of the process? I remember Johnson saying one of the things he was seeking was a team with unified direction, and this is a heaping helping of red flags in my book regarding unity. It's noncomittal, but maybe Shad is a heckuva salesperson.

The way I see it is that Khan already had the HC in the drivers seat with Pederson. 
They said they were making picks and acquisition decisions "together" but if they fired the HC and not the GM - it points toward the likelihood that the HC was really calling the shots at the end of the day. 

Is that backwards to conventional hierarchy? Yes, but it's hardly the first time (or twentieth time)  a coach has been handed the keys in the NFL. 

Shad clearly blames Doug more than he blames Trent but is also noncommittal about Trent.
 Culpability assigned IMO. 

Does that make it odd involving Trent in a search for a guy that might want him gone? 
Yeah - but he seems to have been living in that reality for the past 4 years anyway - so he knows the deal. 

They've put together a great list of coaches and asked to interview all of them.

The only questions now are these:

• Can Khan+Baalke+Waugh+the rest of their committee pick the right guy? 
  
• If Khan is open to a HC suggesting F.O. changes, don't you think he sees he'll have to navigate that carefully in interview sessions that include Baalke?  i.e. separate conversations are clearly going to be had with candidates to guage their comfort level working with Trent. Does that have to be a bad thing? 
  

So if the bolded is true, what does Baalke do around here?

He doesn't coach. He doesn't pick the players.

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The way I see it is that Khan already had the HC in the drivers seat with Pederson. 
They said they were making picks and acquisition decisions "together" but if they fired the HC and not the GM - it points toward the likelihood that the HC was really calling the shots at the end of the day. 

Is that backwards to conventional hierarchy? Yes, but it's hardly the first time (or twentieth time)  a coach has been handed the keys in the NFL. 

Shad clearly blames Doug more than he blames Trent but is also noncommittal about Trent.
 Culpability assigned IMO. 

Does that make it odd involving Trent in a search for a guy that might want him gone? 
Yeah - but he seems to have been living in that reality for the past 4 years anyway - so he knows the deal. 

They've put together a great list of coaches and asked to interview all of them.

The only questions now are these:

• Can Khan+Baalke+Waugh+the rest of their committee pick the right guy? 
  
• If Khan is open to a HC suggesting F.O. changes, don't you think he sees he'll have to navigate that carefully in interview sessions that include Baalke?  i.e. separate conversations are clearly going to be had with candidates to guage their comfort level working with Trent. Does that have to be a bad thing? 
  

So if the bolded is true, what does Baalke do around here?

He doesn't coach. He doesn't pick the players.

If that's actually a serious question - I'm wasting my keystrokes here. 

I'm sure you have some inkling of what he does. 

He manages an entire staff of personnel people that research prospects as well as pro players who may be available in the short or long term - and these employees also help him register and archive the progress of his acquisitions.
 He directs an office full of number crunchers that help him navigate constantly ongoing contract work and cap management. He does have LOTS to do with picking players - even if Khan most recently gave his past two coaches deference over the GM. It's a major process and the final decisions are only one part of it. 

Don't be naive, man. I know you're smarter than that. 

I want a better guy in his shoes as much as most fans, but I don't try to paint the guy as some useless figurehead with clipped wings.  He's done plenty of worthwhile work between being part of some bad picks and signings.

Why do fans have such a hard time objectively criticizing this guy? 
It's weird. You don't have to invent bull [BLEEP] to find his faults.

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When we hire physicians, we include nursing staff as part of the interview process and get their input even if the physician would end up being their boss. When my dad's company was replacing their COO and EVPs, they had lower level people as part of the interviewing team even though the new person could end up firing them or changing their role. 

I get that it is not common in sports or the NFL. But it happens in the real world.

It makes sense if Shad effectively views the Head Coach as the main person in charge. We also have no idea who is selecting the names for the interview process. Yes physical/operations side of that is Baalke, but he may have less input than we all think he does. It could be that Tony or Ethan have a larger influence/sway. Or that Khan is actually actively involved like he was when he hired Urban Meyer.

Everyone seems to have this preconceived notion of this being Jafar and the Sultan, but none of us really know the dynamics and politics going on with the Jags.

So you think Baalke is going to give a favorable evaluation to a candidate who prefers to bring in a different GM?  We all know Shad likes consensus. 

Your nurses don't generally end up fired by the new physician you hire, do they? Do you think that would sway their decision, if the doc promises to clear out existing staff and bring in their own team once they are offered the job? That's putting a whole lot of trust into people's character, and maybe I'm just too pessimistic, but I don't see that playing out on the up and up.

I agree completely with the bolded part.  If a candidate says anything that even remotely suggests that he wants a new GM, that candidate is NOT getting a second interview.  Baalke will point out every flaw in the candidate to Khan, including making some up, if needed.

I think some people are putting way too much into Khan's response to a question.  I think Khan was just saying what people wanted to hear.  Despite Khan blowing off the question, it's very clear that Baalke is leading the coaching search.  Khan hasn't consulted with any outsiders and will not be hiring a search firm.  If Khan was even remotely considering moving on from Baalke, he wouldn't have put Baalke in charge of the search.  I have no doubt Baalke is back.  People who think otherwise are kidding themselves.

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