If the Jacksonville Jaguars hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, several league sources predict his arrival would lead to the ultimate departure of Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke. Indeed, Baalke has been a controversial presence for many coaches in the job interview process.
The future of Byron Leftwich and Trent Baalke with the Jaguars
It remains to be seen if owner Shad Khan, whom Baalke has forged a strong relationship with, will move on. However, many have predicted it’s inevitable.
If Baalke is out this offseason, a potential replacement that has a background with Leftwich and a strong relationship, per league sources, is Arizona Cardinals vice president of pro personnel Adrian Wilson.
Leftwich worked with Wilson, a retired Pro Bowl safety when he was the Cardinals quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator before going to Tampa Bay with Bruce Arians.
Wilson interviewed for the New York Giants’ general manager job that went to Joe Schoen on Jan. 12, meeting virtually with the Giants’ leadership team. Nonetheless, Wilson has been with the Cardinals for seven seasons, getting promoted a year ago.
Adrian Wilson’s front office career with the Cardinals
In his role under general manager Steve Keim, Wilson supervises the Cardinals’ pro scouting staff, the advance scouting, free agency, and helps with college scouting.
Wilson was previously the director of college scouting, joining the Cardinals in 2015 after retiring from the NFL. Furthermore, he played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Cardinals.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Wilson has a reputation as a strong evaluator. He finished his NFL career with 987 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 27 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, and 4 touchdowns.
Wilson and Cardinals Hall of Famer Larry Wilson are the only two Arizona safeties garnering five or more Pro Bowls. He’s in the Cardinals’ Ring of Honor and the Arizona Hall of Fame.