Two of those coaches weren't coming here and you know it. Arians could have been a possibility but chances are he was going to choose a team with a better QB situation at the time.

Knighton wasn't re-signing. He made it clear he wanted to play for JDR and a contender. I didn't agree with the Cox move at the time, but that turned out to be a good decision for the FO and 20 million saved. They kept Lowery, he just couldn't shake off the injuries/concussions. Daryl Smith is the only move I can agree with you on.

 

Its possible that they discussed contracts with Monroe and he indicated he either wasn't re-signing or wanted too much money. We may never know what was discussed behind closed doors.

 

All three of those are just a matter of $$. 


 

As far as the coaches, you really can't say that Caldwell couldn't have hired Gruden since he never even tried. Gruden likes Florida and never wanted GM duties. Overpaying a coach by an extra $2M per year is peanuts compared to player salaries. I think Gruden would have taken the job if the deal was right. Reid was already gone to KC when Caldwell was hired IIRC. In any case he wanted GM control and was thus out of contention, so you're right about him. I included him because he was on my wish list at the time.The question was what I would have done differently. Not all would have worked out. I doubt that Arians would have turned down the job because of Gabbert. Coaches have an inflated opinion of their ability to reclaim former failures with potential. (e.g. Jim Harbaugh)


 

Knighton took a while before signing with Denver, so I doubt he'd have turned down a Jags offer. His disagreement with Musgrave/Tucker would have had no bearing on his willingness to stay since they both were gone. He gets to not have to move, and Florida has no state income tax. And isn't Gus supposed to be able to get everyone enthused about playing for the Jags? The decision to dump Monroe must have been made before they drafted Joeckel (at least I hope Caldwell plans that far ahead). I doubt failed contract talks were a factor.


TBH Pasztor seems to have been the better option out of all of those.

 

Hindsight is 20/20. The Jags had suffered at RT for several years at that point. And maybe Pasztor would have made a great guard had the Jags not needed him at RT.

---