February 24, 2025 • 40 mins
Jaguars' new General Manager James Gladstone speaks with the media and is introduced alongside Owner Shad Khan, Head Coach Liam Coen, Chief Football Strategy Officer Tony Khan, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli and Team President Mark Lamping.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
So well, let us start to twenty twenty five. I
hope everyone's as energized as I am, as we aim
at the bright future on the field and continue to
succeed as we have off the field. We've got outstanding
(00:25):
leadership of the Jaguars assemble to my left James Gladstone, Liam,
Tony Basselli, Tony Kahn, and Mark Lamping. So before I
introduced our new general manager, James Gladstone, I do want
to touch on a few developments since we last met. First,
(00:48):
congratulations to Eric Armstead, who was named NFL Walter Payton
Man of the Year for excellence on the field combined
with his commitment to the community. Anyone anyone who's met
(01:12):
Derek knows him, would understand why he's earned this honor
and of wearing Walter Payton silhouette on the jersey. Eric's
heart is big no matter what he does, and we're
proud and fortunate to have him here in Jacksonville. So
(01:33):
thank you, Eric. Several weeks ago, I shared the good
news that Mark Lamping has agreed to continue as our
team president through the twenty thirty season. Mark's positive impact
(01:54):
on the team business has been remarkable and the leadership
on the stadium project. Stadium of the Future is going
to be essential in the years ahead, so I thank
Mark for your commitment to the team and the community.
(02:18):
It's also my honor to announce that Tony Masselli would
serve his beloved Jaguars as Executive VP of Football Operations.
Tony was born for this. His leadership during our GM
(02:38):
search was extremely impressive, and his excellent collaboration with Liam
helped lead us to where we are, which is to
welcome James Gladstone as the GM of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
There's a lot to know about James, a lot to
(03:00):
like about James. All of it will become evident today
and in the years to come. But one thing I
do want to emphasize is James. James faced fierce competition
during the interview process. Every candidate was outstanding, and I
think that speaks to the promise the next generation of
(03:26):
leadership in the NFL holes. But more importantly, it speaks
to the high quality of James Gladstone. Today's NFL is
constantly changing. It's important for us to find a GM
who is unafraid of change, someone who can innovate collaborate, communicate,
(03:50):
and evolve. All of that describes James. It's no wonder
James has already produced a brilliant body of work sorely
in his career, but what's best as his immense promise
in the role of general manager. I'm thrilled we'll get
(04:12):
to see James seize the opportunity here in Duval. James
is joined today by his wife Julie and daughter Sabine,
Mom Kim and dad Jean. So to the Gladstone family.
I know you're as proud of James as we are,
(04:35):
but I want to welcome you to Jacksonville and the
Jaguars family.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
With that, it's.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
Time to meet the new GM off the Jacksonville Jaguars,
James Gladstone.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
Good morning.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
You know it really is an honor to be with
you all today as the general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
You know, I do have to start first and foremost
by thanking Shad, Tony and the entire con family for
(05:40):
believing in me, for entrusting me with such.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
An incredible opportunity.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
Their passion for this city, this franchise, It's contagious and
I look forward to building something special with them now
as I look across this table, I also got to
give a thanks to Tony Bisselli for his leadership throughout
this entire process, our football operations staff who have made
(06:11):
it a seamless transition for my family. I got to
give a thanks to Mark Lamping for his invaluable insights,
and to Liam Cohen. Liam, I can't wait to bring
your vision for this football team to life, working with
our coaching staff, our scouting staff, and our support staff
(06:31):
to give the city of Jacksonville, its fans, and our
partners around the world a team.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
That they're proud to support. To my wife.
Speaker 4 (06:41):
Julie, to my daughter Sabine, to my parents Kim and Jean,
to my siblings Michelle and DeMarco, to my family, my friends,
(07:04):
your presence, your support.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
I've never had to ride alone.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
You have elevated me to levels that I didn't know
on my own I had the ability to reach.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
To the Los.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
Angeles Rams, To everyone I worked with over the last
nine years, thank you. You know I genuinely believe that
this moment me being seated on this stage is not
a reflection of anything that I've done on my own,
(07:41):
but rather a collective effort, and I won't lose sight
of it to less and care sneed.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
You guys altered the trajectory of my life.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Supporting you, learning from you. You know that was an
honor of a lifetime. Now look to carry that experience
forward every day in this role.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
To the Jaguar fan base. I turned to you with
William's vision, with a disciplined approach.
Speaker 4 (08:23):
You know, we're gonna bring you a product that you
all can be proud of, and we are so appreciative
of your support with that game on.
Speaker 5 (08:42):
Thank you, James Well said, Now let's open the floor
for some media questions, but with one caveat, if we
could channel those questions for just maybe the next ten
minutes or solely toward James, we could kind of get
that target right there, and then some point I'll open
up the entire day ask for questions shortly thereafter.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
So who wants to begin, Jeane James, First of all,
gratulations microphone.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
Jane, when you were when you were.
Speaker 6 (09:17):
Reminiscing with weston Saturday morning, did you take some time
to kind of I don't think back as to how
this journey happened, because you know from the moment that
you asked him about possibly coming aboard with the Rams
at that Starbucks that.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
You guys are at back in June sixteen.
Speaker 7 (09:38):
I think it was you've done your research, so can
you talk about how you got to this point because
when you started, you didn't know apparently did not know
whether you wanted to be a part of the NFL
world for you know, the rest of your life or whatever.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
How much time do we have? We got a shot
clock here.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
Yeah, no, that's a great question. I really appreciate you
asking it that way.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
I think, first and.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Foremost, Less is unapologetically himself. He offers that same luxury
to anybody he comes in contact with, and that is
something that I think is one of the best things
on planet Earth, to simply be able to be yourself.
(10:26):
And that's what drew me to him, even though I
was pursuing a career as a high school teacher and
football coach, one that I wanted to really embark on
from a young age, and pivoted to a different path
simply for the sake that I could find somebody that
I wanted to learn from and support.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
And so it's been.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
A fantastic nine years being able to be alongside him
for that journey and really building the La Rams into
what they are today.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
As we transitioned then into.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
This conversation around, hey, is it now time for us
to consider what comes next? It was never going to
be something that I brought up. It was only until
he rose his hand and said it's time. And so
at that point when this became available, when he knew
that it would be a match with Liam, with Tony
(11:22):
and everybody else that you see up here, that's when
we began to accelerate sort of the progress of transitioning
into the next phase and becoming a general manager.
Speaker 6 (11:31):
As a follow up, how quickly did you know after
you started working for the Rams that this is something
that you really wanted to do, possibly for the rest
of your life.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I don't know that there was any one moment.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
I think it's fair to say that I rooted myself
in whatever role that I had. I kept my mind
there and I think by doing simply that you'll find
good results. And that's any recommendation for anybody that asks,
you know, how can I continue to ascend? The first
thing I'd say is root yourself where you're at, and
(12:05):
as long as you start there, try and remain rooted
in that mindset.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Good things are coming.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Mike, do you stop right next door?
Speaker 3 (12:20):
James? Why did you want to work with Liam?
Speaker 8 (12:22):
When did you guys kind of realize that your visions
are the way you see football sort of kind of meshed?
And you know, did you realize when you guys first
met that you guys were pretty closely aligned?
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (12:35):
I can't say that when I think back to our
time at the RAMS, there was ever this idea that, hey,
we're going to end up being GM and head coach
side by side, but by default because.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Of where our roots both fall, we're aligned just in
and of itself.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
And I think through this whole process some of the
things that really were the most alluring and exciting about
this opportunity is that the leadership structure well mirrors what
I'm familiar with in Los Angeles, and I know that
that's one that IA can have success in and is
B something that can be successful in this line of work?
Speaker 9 (13:11):
Okay, going over here on the right, Rick, Rick Wu
ten ten XL and not a two point five FM. James,
welcome to you and your family here to Jacksonville.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Really unique for you in those.
Speaker 9 (13:22):
Nine years that you guys built this organization two different ways,
gave up top picks for Jalen Ramsey and Matt Stafford. Then,
as you know, promoted your career career or you were promoted,
scouting became that much more important, including recent picks which
went to the defensive Player of the Year this year.
(13:44):
So how do you take everything that you learned two
different ways to build an organization and now apply that
to this team which has some parts in place but
obviously room for improvement in other aspects.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Yeah, that is a great question, really layered.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
I'll try to be as clear and concise for my
response as possible, but touch on some big picture items.
I think a the adaptability that that shows amongst the
leadership group in Los Angeles, and one that we'll look
to embody here knowing that this is an ever evolving
landscape in the NFL, and the importance of changing and
being ahead of the curve in terms of what success
(14:23):
looks like. I think beyond that, I see a lot
of parallels to really my time with the Los Angeles
Rams and the current moment in time here with the
Jacksonville Jaguars, in particular, dating back to sort of the
inflection point in twenty seventeen when the Los Angeles Rams
were coming off a four win season, hired a dynamic
(14:43):
and resilient head coach, and we're able to follow that
up with a successful season and successful season since. So
really going to tap into all of those years of
experience and the different modes of operation and models that
we deployed while applying here.
Speaker 5 (15:01):
I'm going to go straight down and Jamal, please.
Speaker 10 (15:04):
Jamal Saints here with news for Jacks. Congratulations you when
you look at this roster or this team, what gets
you excited or fired up about it?
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Yeah, the short of it is, there's talent in a
lot of key spots, and with the amount of draft
capital that we have at our disposal over the next
two seasons, it's really exciting about what we can do there,
especially knowing that that's the highest volume of draft capital
that exists for any team in the NFL over the
next two years. And we're coming off two cycles with
(15:36):
the Los Angeles Rams that was the exact same case,
twenty four picks.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Over the last two drafts.
Speaker 4 (15:42):
So really, this is a dynamic that I'm uniquely positioned
to navigate and really looking forward to utilizing as a
means of continuing to develop this roster.
Speaker 10 (15:50):
And what was the interview process? Kind of like on
your end, when did you kind of know that you
kind of felt comfortable and thought this was the perfect
fit for you.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
Oh that was that was pretty quick. It didn't take long.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
It was a great interview process, very thorough interview process.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
The first wave was virtual and it included people.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
From every department to represent and really began engagement with
whoever was going to end up being offered the position
so that we could hit the ground rolling, have some familiarity, etc.
And then when we got into the more intimate discussions
last week here in person, we dove a bit deeper,
(16:32):
you know, surfaced a lot of higher level lines of thinking.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
But it didn't take long for me to realize that
this was a really good landing spot.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
And technically, you know, I don't think that Less like
I mentioned earlier, would have ever raised his hand and
said hey it's time unless he viewed it as a
really strong opportunity to be successful.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Okay, I'm going to go over here on our rate.
Speaker 11 (16:55):
So Brian, congrats. Brent aren't No from CBS forty seven
and Fox thirty. Look at what you bring to the
table as cutting edge or outside the box, and what
does that look like in today's NFL or from a
GM spot.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
Yeah, that's a fair question. I think that.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Yeah, I have a fresh perspective, I'd say, deep understanding
of really the modern tools and mechanisms that are revolutionizing
the sport, and so you know, that'll certainly be something
that we leverage here. While at the same time, I mean,
we're walking into the combine this afternoon, right, and so
(17:37):
the current mode of operation is in rhythm, the cadence
is in place. So my intent here through this initial
spring is to really calibrate my own mode of operation
to the current mode of operation, insert some specific efficiencies
that will help me better understand our groups insights and perspectives,
(17:58):
and then assess at the end of this spring what
types of.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Things we can roll out into the future.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
But we'll certainly, you know, put the pedal to the
metal on a lot of advanced sort of modes of operation.
Speaker 12 (18:12):
Again, straight down, cool pepper, James, Congratulations. I wanted to
ask you about sort of your philosophy of player identification.
I saw somebody Matt Miller, I think tweeted something about
pro ready players versus traits players. Could you do a
little give a little deep dive into what you look for,
particularly with college players, and what you will do to
(18:34):
try to bring those guys who can fit into liam
Siste right away.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
Yeah, that's great question. I'm glad you asked. I think
it's pretty simple. From my perspective.
Speaker 4 (18:43):
We will prioritize people and players that are intangibly rich,
and by doing so, they will elevate our ecosystem, our
team by being nothing more than themselves.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
So it's as simple as that.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Thank you, Okay, straight back, Mark, thank.
Speaker 13 (19:01):
You, Hi, Marklong with the Associated Press, congrats. You talked
about a lot of things about the ever changing landscape
of the NFL, and then you took up with the
mode of operations. But I assume you're hitting at analytics.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
Where can we go?
Speaker 13 (19:15):
I mean, obviously Tony is deep in that, but how
much more is there to be found and had from
in the role of analytics in terms of building rosters
and even maybe even helping with the game management stuff.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
Tony will be leveraged for sure.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
His insight and understanding is top tier, so that in
and of itself is an edge that we can utilize.
Beyond that, the biggest item that I can articulate at
this stage and will for our staff is not that
analytics is ever doing anything other than supporting our current
(19:52):
mode of operation and the traditional ways in which we
approach evaluations.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Now, the fusion between.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
The two is really what's important, Neither evaluations or data
analytics outweighing either, but really supporting one another and being
useful to one another in a way that you know,
increases our efficiency just from an operational standpoint and helps
us make more informed decisions.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
And then you mentioned the fresh perspective.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Can you give us some examples on some of ourselves
out getting away a trade?
Speaker 4 (20:24):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (20:25):
Probably not? Thanks?
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Cut off. Okay, let's go Gary then me Gary?
Speaker 14 (20:33):
Please, Hey James, Gary spends Florida Times Union. This may
be premature, but what do you think the draft day
dynamic is going to be between you, Liam and Tony
in regards to making the decision round by round? You know,
if if the third round of Liam comefus, is I
really got to have a guard? You know what, how
do you anticipate that kind of situation work panning out?
Speaker 3 (20:56):
Okay? If I give you a two word answer. Sure,
your collaboration.
Speaker 14 (21:02):
Okay, And the draft process hasn't always been successful here.
There's been some hits, there's been a few misses. Do
you have you know, what is a figure of mind
as far as the number of players that make an impact.
I know you want all of them to make an impact,
(21:23):
but is there a certain percentage that you're comfortable with
that you really would hope would work out in this team.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
Yeah. First off, I do think every team has their
hits and misses.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
Nobody bats a thousand, but you absolutely go into a
draft thinking that you will. And one of the things
that you know we talked about in the interview process.
By default, Liam and I are aligned. Will continue to
get deeper alignment as we continue to grow and evolve together.
But there will be disagreements and we welcome that. And
(22:01):
when there's ever a moment that we can't bridge the
gap and find some version of common ground when it
comes to evaluating a player, we will have players that
we will align on and we'll focus our attention there
and move those others off to the side, because what's
important is not whether or not those go on to
have success. In my mind, it's that the ones that
(22:22):
we add to our ecosystem are built to thrive in
what we've constructed. And so that's really the intent and
really why I feel like we've had such success in
Los Angeles over the most recent years is because the
people that we do bring in are built for our
environment and really elevate it and themselves by being amongst it.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Shames's doing great. We're going to do two more just
for James, and then we'll open up the disc So me.
Speaker 15 (22:49):
Please, Hi, James, nice to meet you, Open to Jacksonville.
Curious in knowing that, like you said, right now, the
goal is to bridge the gap of who is here
the philosophies that you are bringing in. Do you anticipate
bringing in any additional resources in terms of people to
the scouting department or what have you between now and
the NFL draft.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
You know what, we're working through those dynamics, but in
all likelihood you won't see any shifts.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
It'll probably be something we address post draft.
Speaker 15 (23:17):
And then if you could just I don't want to
have you give away secrets, but the intangibles tests that's
kind of become renowned that you were a big part
of creating in Los Angeles, if you can kind of
give those who may be unfamiliar with it what goes
into that process and how you came up with it.
Speaker 4 (23:31):
You know, I think if you were to start, even
in your own mind, coming up with whatever whatever skill
sets on the field, you would deem intangible.
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Those are the things that I'm certainly talking about.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
And then even as a person off the field, what
anybody in our mind, we're probably are all going to point.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
To very similar descriptors. That's really what I'm leaning into.
Speaker 4 (23:56):
And one thing that you know, I think many people
talk about the idea of.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
That being important to them.
Speaker 4 (24:01):
I really look forward to showing our staff, our players,
and our fans that we're going to be disciplined in
prioritizing it.
Speaker 16 (24:12):
Okay, Jordan, please, Jordan de Lugo, Generation Jaguar, Welcome to Jacksonville.
Speaker 3 (24:17):
Thank you.
Speaker 16 (24:18):
So when you look at free agency just a couple
of weeks away, is it kind of a mad dash
to try to get everybody on the same page and
the collaborative effort to make sure you're putting together your
best foot forward there?
Speaker 4 (24:29):
No, you know, our group has already been off to
the races, So I'm onboarding in real time. We're meeting
with the coaching staff and scouting staff here this week
at the Combine, and we'll have a lot of deep
discussions around how we'll approach pro free agency throughout this week.
Speaker 3 (24:45):
And that's not honestly atypical.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
That's what a lot of people do and so we're
not behind in any way, shape or form.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
Okay, let's, as I said, open the task for anybody else,
and if anybody needs circle back with James, that's fine too.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Let's give them a minute to maybe get a glass
of water.
Speaker 5 (25:06):
Anybody with questions for anybody else here up on stage,
Let's start with Gene.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Please a question for Shad.
Speaker 6 (25:14):
When you look at at what you have in your
organization right now, a first time head coach, first time GM,
combined with with with Tony being whatever you want, whatever
you want to call him, a supporter, buffer, whatever, how
do you how do you feel about that combination being
(25:35):
a precursor for consistent success that you've been looking for
ever since you owned the team.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
I look at it really positively. I think we have
great people and a great team of people, even though
they might be in the position for the first time.
I think collectively they're going to have great success and
you know, and I think one of the things, you know,
(26:04):
I think we're all aware that you know, their new
but huge amount of you know, the potential to really
grow into it. So I mean you're referring to the
Peter principle, right, and so that is you know, we've
talked about it. You want to be aware of it.
(26:24):
I asked everyone not only here but our coaching staff
there are in that position for the first time, just
to be aware of that concept. But and look it
up on the phone. But it's but I couldn't be
more excited. Frankly. I think the brain power, the brand
(26:45):
with the different experience and really complementary. I mean, this
is a team of football people, executives who are going
to have success. No one is a perfect human being.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
And this isn't.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
About Hey, I got X years of experience and something
A lot of times it turned out to be one
of experience X times over. I mean this is I
just think the brain matter here is gonna be great
for the Jaguars.
Speaker 6 (27:14):
As a follow up for Tony BASSELLI could you sort
of address the same thing you had a lot of
conversations with Less about James. Now you're you're seeing something
very different with the first time head coach, first time GM,
and now you're part of the process. How excited are
you about this combination which includes yourself.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
Well, I mean I'm extremely excited.
Speaker 17 (27:35):
I mean, I like the new title you gave me
chief supporter or buffer. I'm gonna I'm gonna put that
on my business card. So but listen, I'm excited. You know,
started with Liam becoming our head coach, it was clear
and as we sat with him and his vision for
what how we wanted to play football, what the identity
(27:56):
and the standard was going to be at this the
Jacksonville Jaguars was exactly how I think about it. And
you guys know through all the conversations I've had with
you about you got to be tough, physically, mentally smart
football team that's disciplined, and that's exactly how Liam looks
at it. And then as we went through the GM
process together, first and foremost, you know, it's two things
(28:17):
you're looking for. One is it the right individual, the
right makeup of the of the guy that will fit
into what we're trying to build, the culture we're trying
to set in this building and James knocked that out
of the park.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
But that's not enough.
Speaker 17 (28:30):
Then you have to look at the ability and the
acuity to you know, evaluate talent, have a process, you know,
the draft, free agency, and again that's a place where
James excelled and we will see it day after day
and year after year. So the combination of Liam and
h and James and what we're going to build here
and the three of us together, we're aligned and it's
(28:51):
gonna be a collaboration. One of the things that we
talk about Liam and I've been talking about since day
one and since James got here, is you know, it's
not any anyone individual, no ego's agendas. It's about what
happens on the grass. We're going to keep the main
thing the main thing, and that's winning football games. And
that's what we're here to do. At the end of
the day, we're all going to be judged by wins
and losses, and that's what we're going to focus on.
Speaker 15 (29:14):
Let's go over on the left, me and please shot,
at what point in the process did James become the
front runner and the clear choice for you as your
next general manager?
Speaker 1 (29:24):
Well, I think you know the process is very extensive,
and I think James was the last one. We had
the four hour in person and I think you know
we met right after. That was very evident to us.
You know that James was absolutely what we were looking for.
Speaker 3 (29:43):
So we're very blessed to have him.
Speaker 15 (29:45):
And then just one quick one for Liam. I know
James a little punted a little bit on it, but
do you remember your first interaction with James when you
arrived in Los Angeles if you could share that story.
Speaker 3 (29:54):
Just a little bit.
Speaker 18 (29:55):
There was a collaboration within the coaching staff and the
scouting department when it came to the undrafted free agency
process after the draft. That was something that James was
spearheading at the time. This is going back to twenty
eighteen when I first arrived there. He was spearheading that
entire process, and I saw this guy completely dominate that position,
(30:19):
and the ability to communicate with both scouting and the
coaching coaches was just at such a different level than
I was used to seeing somebody be able to do.
That was when you really started to see his process,
his ability. It was really pretty cool to watch his
process growing up and then see him continuing to evolve
(30:41):
it's been awesome to see.
Speaker 11 (30:43):
Okay, let's go Brenton then Mark, Right, I go one
for Liam and Mark, Liam start with you. Staff's assembled now.
It looks like a lot of common themes. At least
they talked the similar language offensively as you do.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
How important was.
Speaker 11 (30:59):
That part of it that people understood what you were
looking for, the language part of that, and why was
that important?
Speaker 18 (31:08):
That's a great question. The balanced attack that we want
to have out on the football field right is the
same exact attack that we were looking for within the building,
within the coaching staff, within the whole structure. Complimentary pieces
that ultimately will lead us to the success we're looking for.
When you go and get a guy like Grant Ydinsky
from Minnesota, who obviously was pretty popular throughout the offensive
(31:30):
coordinator search this year, well he's coming from a direct
position with Minnesota Vikings that he was hand in hand
with Kevin O'Connell and that staff throughout the last couple
of years getting it to the point that it's at
right now, and we speak the same language just so easily. Right,
A lot of the things that we look for that
(31:51):
Tony just mentioned, but also as you dive deeper, and
deeper into the daily rhythms and how we communicate with
each other. It's been such a great transition, and especially
with him spearheading at the offensive side of.
Speaker 11 (32:02):
The ball Mark two Porter. If you don't mind, can
you give us an update. I see a lot of
cranes around obviously some early things happening, I think at
the stadium.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
Could you give us a little bit of an update.
Speaker 19 (32:14):
I'd be happy to, but before I do that, my
role here today is to bring up the average age
at the table there, and also want to also want
to thank the mayor and I see members of the
City Council and City Council Pharmacity Council President Ron Salem,
thank you for getting stadium deal done, which also led
(32:35):
to me being here this afternoon. So I really appreciate that.
If you if you look outside, you're going to see
that there's there are some areas that are fenced off.
There's some deep pile works that's.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Going on there.
Speaker 19 (32:52):
You'll see a crane that's in the south end of
the end zone.
Speaker 2 (32:56):
The work is going on.
Speaker 19 (32:57):
It commenced about forty five days ago and so far
no surprises, but a long long way.
Speaker 11 (33:04):
To go and Secondly, do you have an update or
how close are you to deciding Orlando or Gainesville? And
when will everybody know.
Speaker 19 (33:16):
We're probably within thirty to forty five days from submitting
a report to the National Football League, which will summarize
our evaluation of all the alternatives, will also include a
recommendation the league will receive that, they'll study that, We'll
have a lot of back and forth, and if we
can get to a consensus, which I'm sure we'll be
(33:37):
able to do that, it will then go through the
normal NFL approval process. It would go to committee meetings
in advance of probably the May Owners meeting, and then
if things advance through the committee process, I think maybe
by the May Owners meeting.
Speaker 2 (33:54):
There may be something to consider.
Speaker 19 (33:56):
But keep in mind the approval process for a temporary
stadium is the exact same as extending a lease, so
we not only have to have the League Approval Committee's approval,
but also seventy five percent of NFL owners agree.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
Mark Klong, please for Tony Boselli or Tony Kahan.
Speaker 13 (34:15):
Collaboration is a great buzzword, and I get it that
that's an ideal being aligned. The last three coaching staffs
here pointed fingers like like I've never seen in my
life at each other, the staff and the GM.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
Why do you think this is going to be different.
Speaker 17 (34:33):
Well, first of all, we're not going to worry about
what happened in the past. We can't do anything about that.
So let's focus on where we're going. And at the
end of the day, you're right, Mark, it's easy to
say those words, and ultimately, no matter what I tell
you right now, we got to go prove it. And
the way you build the way you have a you
have a collaboration. It starts with relationships that are built
on trust. And that's what we're establishing and that's how
(34:55):
we'll operate moving forward because at the end of the day,
if we keep the focus on what we're trying to achieve,
which is win football games, nothing else should matter, not
our agendas, not our egos. Who gets credit. I mean,
that's when you get in trouble, whether it's a as
a when I was a player, whenever people start worrying
about the wrong thing in the locker room, you're not
gonna win games. It's no different now and so we
(35:17):
have to go prove it. So we all believe that
and we're going to work towards that, but it starts
with building relationships built on trust and we'll be just fine.
Speaker 13 (35:25):
Does it feel different than what you've experienced before here
as a player and even as a clot.
Speaker 17 (35:29):
Broadcast, Well, it's it's hard for me to say because
as a player, there was only one person that was
collaborating with himself that was Tom Coughlin. So there was
always full alignment, full collaboration, there was no questions. So
and I'm not gonna speak to because it's be unfair
for me to speak to what happened in the past
in the building because I wasn't in the building. I
was sitting with you knuckles out there talking about about
(35:52):
the team.
Speaker 3 (35:53):
Uh.
Speaker 17 (35:53):
And so I'm just worried about where we're going, and
where we're going is in the right direction, with the
right vision, with the right people. The three of us
work together. But at the end of the day, James job,
my job is to support Liam, our coaches and our players,
to give them all the tools, resources and the ability
to go onto the field every Sunday and do the
best to try to win as many possible games as
(36:15):
we can.
Speaker 20 (36:16):
Yeah, I totally agree with Tony, I think collaboration, like
so many things in life, is also partially about chemistry,
and I think we've all gotten to spend some time together.
I think there is really good chemistry with the group,
and I think, like Tony said, the three of these
guys all bring so much expertise, and like one thing
I think we all can totally agree on is all
of us want the best for the Jaguars in the
(36:36):
city and this group, and I think this is a
really really exciting time for the organization. Everybody pulling in
the same direction with really a lot of expertise here
and a lot of brain power and also some really
good people at the table.
Speaker 13 (36:49):
And not to look back too much, Tony, but Tony Kahan,
but like, even though analytics have been part of this
thing since you stepped in the door, there hasn't necessarily
always been a hundre percent push one hundred percent from everybody. Right,
Maybe the coaches say, you've got to convince people that
this is the way to go.
Speaker 3 (37:05):
Do you feel like this is an easy.
Speaker 20 (37:08):
Not only yes, I think this is a great group,
a really forward thinking group, and it's a great question
mark because you know, this is our fourteenth season here,
and we've seen the league change a lot, the Jaguars,
but every team, all thirty two teams, everybody who watches
football has seen elements of the game change and some
of that has I think been driven by the analytics movement,
and I think all thirty two teams have really pushed forward,
(37:30):
you know, since we arrived here in twenty twelve. In
addition to working at the Jaguars with True Media Networks,
we're one of the leading engineering firms for sports analytics
in the world. And I think, thank you and can
provide great support for the Jaguars and continue doing that too.
Speaker 2 (37:47):
Let's go over on the right. Then we'll get to
demark Rick please.
Speaker 9 (37:51):
Yeah, James, the former GM, his communication with us here
was very minimal and when it gets current, it felt forced.
What is your feeling on transparency with the media so
we can get your message to Jaguars fans.
Speaker 3 (38:10):
Yeah, I think being open and honest and opening the.
Speaker 4 (38:14):
Door so that you all feel like you get what
you need to do your job. And at the end
of the day, this is the entertainment business, and you
know we'll treat it as such without interfering with our
ability to do well or have a competitive edge.
Speaker 15 (38:31):
You right?
Speaker 3 (38:32):
For James and Liam?
Speaker 8 (38:33):
I mean jokes aside. Does the age thing bother you guys?
Speaker 3 (38:37):
Annoy you?
Speaker 15 (38:38):
Do?
Speaker 8 (38:38):
You not think about it? Use it as motivation? You know,
thirty nine and thirty four years old? First time? What
is your thoughts on that? Do do you care? Or
I'm just interested in how you guys address that.
Speaker 4 (38:50):
Technically, I don't know that we've actually talked about our
age at all. The interesting thing, I do think we're
both we both start from a place of humility, and
I think that that makes a lot of a lot
of stuff easy and seamless, while at the same time
there's this aura of confidence and understanding that we have
(39:13):
a dynamic asset, and that is our ability to see
what tools are available and apply and execute those within
our spheres. And so I don't know that age has
ever been something that I've my mind's ever gone to
as a part of this process. And we certainly haven't
even brought up in any conversations.
Speaker 2 (39:36):
I got nothing to say.
Speaker 8 (39:38):
So does it sort of seems like it might bother
you a little bit?
Speaker 3 (39:43):
Liam?
Speaker 18 (39:44):
No, it has not come up whatsoever.
Speaker 8 (39:46):
Well, I mean, I'm not between you two, but I mean,
you hear it out there, is what I'm saying.
Speaker 17 (39:51):
Because I'm old. I mean, I wish I was thirty nine,
and thirty four sounds a lot better than fifty two.
Speaker 2 (39:58):
No, it's it's it's great.
Speaker 18 (40:02):
This is a league where you have to be able
to connect with people that are coming out of college.
Right they're coming out of college, they're coming from an
nil landscape from you know, the transfer portal landscape that
this game is ever evolving and ever changing, as we've
talked about, can we connect with the players that to
me is all that really matters. Can this staff, the
(40:23):
personnel department, Tony, can we all connect with these players
to be able to get the best product on the field.
That's really all that matters.
So well, let us start to twenty twenty five. I
hope everyone's as energized as I am, as we aim
at the bright future on the field and continue to
succeed as we have off the field. We've got outstanding
(00:25):
leadership of the Jaguars assemble to my left James Gladstone, Liam,
Tony Basselli, Tony Kahn, and Mark Lamping. So before I
introduced our new general manager, James Gladstone, I do want
to touch on a few developments since we last met. First,
(00:48):
congratulations to Eric Armstead, who was named NFL Walter Payton
Man of the Year for excellence on the field combined
with his commitment to the community. Anyone anyone who's met
(01:12):
Derek knows him, would understand why he's earned this honor
and of wearing Walter Payton silhouette on the jersey. Eric's
heart is big no matter what he does, and we're
proud and fortunate to have him here in Jacksonville. So
(01:33):
thank you, Eric. Several weeks ago, I shared the good
news that Mark Lamping has agreed to continue as our
team president through the twenty thirty season. Mark's positive impact
(01:54):
on the team business has been remarkable and the leadership
on the stadium project. Stadium of the Future is going
to be essential in the years ahead, so I thank
Mark for your commitment to the team and the community.
(02:18):
It's also my honor to announce that Tony Masselli would
serve his beloved Jaguars as Executive VP of Football Operations.
Tony was born for this. His leadership during our GM
(02:38):
search was extremely impressive, and his excellent collaboration with Liam
helped lead us to where we are, which is to
welcome James Gladstone as the GM of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
There's a lot to know about James, a lot to
(03:00):
like about James. All of it will become evident today
and in the years to come. But one thing I
do want to emphasize is James. James faced fierce competition
during the interview process. Every candidate was outstanding, and I
think that speaks to the promise the next generation of
(03:26):
leadership in the NFL holes. But more importantly, it speaks
to the high quality of James Gladstone. Today's NFL is
constantly changing. It's important for us to find a GM
who is unafraid of change, someone who can innovate collaborate, communicate,
(03:50):
and evolve. All of that describes James. It's no wonder
James has already produced a brilliant body of work sorely
in his career, but what's best as his immense promise
in the role of general manager. I'm thrilled we'll get
(04:12):
to see James seize the opportunity here in Duval. James
is joined today by his wife Julie and daughter Sabine,
Mom Kim and dad Jean. So to the Gladstone family.
I know you're as proud of James as we are,
(04:35):
but I want to welcome you to Jacksonville and the
Jaguars family.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
With that, it's.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
Time to meet the new GM off the Jacksonville Jaguars,
James Gladstone.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
Good morning.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
You know it really is an honor to be with
you all today as the general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
You know, I do have to start first and foremost
by thanking Shad, Tony and the entire con family for
(05:40):
believing in me, for entrusting me with such.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
An incredible opportunity.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
Their passion for this city, this franchise, It's contagious and
I look forward to building something special with them now
as I look across this table, I also got to
give a thanks to Tony Bisselli for his leadership throughout
this entire process, our football operations staff who have made
(06:11):
it a seamless transition for my family. I got to
give a thanks to Mark Lamping for his invaluable insights,
and to Liam Cohen. Liam, I can't wait to bring
your vision for this football team to life, working with
our coaching staff, our scouting staff, and our support staff
(06:31):
to give the city of Jacksonville, its fans, and our
partners around the world a team.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
That they're proud to support. To my wife.
Speaker 4 (06:41):
Julie, to my daughter Sabine, to my parents Kim and Jean,
to my siblings Michelle and DeMarco, to my family, my friends,
(07:04):
your presence, your support.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
I've never had to ride alone.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
You have elevated me to levels that I didn't know
on my own I had the ability to reach.
Speaker 3 (07:19):
To the Los.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
Angeles Rams, To everyone I worked with over the last
nine years, thank you. You know I genuinely believe that
this moment me being seated on this stage is not
a reflection of anything that I've done on my own,
(07:41):
but rather a collective effort, and I won't lose sight
of it to less and care sneed.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
You guys altered the trajectory of my life.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Supporting you, learning from you. You know that was an
honor of a lifetime. Now look to carry that experience
forward every day in this role.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
To the Jaguar fan base. I turned to you with
William's vision, with a disciplined approach.
Speaker 4 (08:23):
You know, we're gonna bring you a product that you
all can be proud of, and we are so appreciative
of your support with that game on.
Speaker 5 (08:42):
Thank you, James Well said, Now let's open the floor
for some media questions, but with one caveat, if we
could channel those questions for just maybe the next ten
minutes or solely toward James, we could kind of get
that target right there, and then some point I'll open
up the entire day ask for questions shortly thereafter.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
So who wants to begin, Jeane James, First of all,
gratulations microphone.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
Jane, when you were when you were.
Speaker 6 (09:17):
Reminiscing with weston Saturday morning, did you take some time
to kind of I don't think back as to how
this journey happened, because you know from the moment that
you asked him about possibly coming aboard with the Rams
at that Starbucks that.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
You guys are at back in June sixteen.
Speaker 7 (09:38):
I think it was you've done your research, so can
you talk about how you got to this point because
when you started, you didn't know apparently did not know
whether you wanted to be a part of the NFL
world for you know, the rest of your life or whatever.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
How much time do we have? We got a shot
clock here.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
Yeah, no, that's a great question. I really appreciate you
asking it that way.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
I think, first and.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Foremost, Less is unapologetically himself. He offers that same luxury
to anybody he comes in contact with, and that is
something that I think is one of the best things
on planet Earth, to simply be able to be yourself.
(10:26):
And that's what drew me to him, even though I
was pursuing a career as a high school teacher and
football coach, one that I wanted to really embark on
from a young age, and pivoted to a different path
simply for the sake that I could find somebody that
I wanted to learn from and support.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
And so it's been.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
A fantastic nine years being able to be alongside him
for that journey and really building the La Rams into
what they are today.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
As we transitioned then into.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
This conversation around, hey, is it now time for us
to consider what comes next? It was never going to
be something that I brought up. It was only until
he rose his hand and said it's time. And so
at that point when this became available, when he knew
that it would be a match with Liam, with Tony
(11:22):
and everybody else that you see up here, that's when
we began to accelerate sort of the progress of transitioning
into the next phase and becoming a general manager.
Speaker 6 (11:31):
As a follow up, how quickly did you know after
you started working for the Rams that this is something
that you really wanted to do, possibly for the rest
of your life.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I don't know that there was any one moment.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
I think it's fair to say that I rooted myself
in whatever role that I had. I kept my mind
there and I think by doing simply that you'll find
good results. And that's any recommendation for anybody that asks,
you know, how can I continue to ascend? The first
thing I'd say is root yourself where you're at, and
(12:05):
as long as you start there, try and remain rooted
in that mindset.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Good things are coming.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Mike, do you stop right next door?
Speaker 3 (12:20):
James? Why did you want to work with Liam?
Speaker 8 (12:22):
When did you guys kind of realize that your visions
are the way you see football sort of kind of meshed?
And you know, did you realize when you guys first
met that you guys were pretty closely aligned?
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (12:35):
I can't say that when I think back to our
time at the RAMS, there was ever this idea that, hey,
we're going to end up being GM and head coach
side by side, but by default because.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
Of where our roots both fall, we're aligned just in
and of itself.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
And I think through this whole process some of the
things that really were the most alluring and exciting about
this opportunity is that the leadership structure well mirrors what
I'm familiar with in Los Angeles, and I know that
that's one that IA can have success in and is
B something that can be successful in this line of work?
Speaker 9 (13:11):
Okay, going over here on the right, Rick, Rick Wu
ten ten XL and not a two point five FM. James,
welcome to you and your family here to Jacksonville.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Really unique for you in those.
Speaker 9 (13:22):
Nine years that you guys built this organization two different ways,
gave up top picks for Jalen Ramsey and Matt Stafford. Then,
as you know, promoted your career career or you were promoted,
scouting became that much more important, including recent picks which
went to the defensive Player of the Year this year.
(13:44):
So how do you take everything that you learned two
different ways to build an organization and now apply that
to this team which has some parts in place but
obviously room for improvement in other aspects.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Yeah, that is a great question, really layered.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
I'll try to be as clear and concise for my
response as possible, but touch on some big picture items.
I think a the adaptability that that shows amongst the
leadership group in Los Angeles, and one that we'll look
to embody here knowing that this is an ever evolving
landscape in the NFL, and the importance of changing and
being ahead of the curve in terms of what success
(14:23):
looks like. I think beyond that, I see a lot
of parallels to really my time with the Los Angeles
Rams and the current moment in time here with the
Jacksonville Jaguars, in particular, dating back to sort of the
inflection point in twenty seventeen when the Los Angeles Rams
were coming off a four win season, hired a dynamic
(14:43):
and resilient head coach, and we're able to follow that
up with a successful season and successful season since. So
really going to tap into all of those years of
experience and the different modes of operation and models that
we deployed while applying here.
Speaker 5 (15:01):
I'm going to go straight down and Jamal, please.
Speaker 10 (15:04):
Jamal Saints here with news for Jacks. Congratulations you when
you look at this roster or this team, what gets
you excited or fired up about it?
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Yeah, the short of it is, there's talent in a
lot of key spots, and with the amount of draft
capital that we have at our disposal over the next
two seasons, it's really exciting about what we can do there,
especially knowing that that's the highest volume of draft capital
that exists for any team in the NFL over the
next two years. And we're coming off two cycles with
(15:36):
the Los Angeles Rams that was the exact same case,
twenty four picks.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Over the last two drafts.
Speaker 4 (15:42):
So really, this is a dynamic that I'm uniquely positioned
to navigate and really looking forward to utilizing as a
means of continuing to develop this roster.
Speaker 10 (15:50):
And what was the interview process? Kind of like on
your end, when did you kind of know that you
kind of felt comfortable and thought this was the perfect
fit for you.
Speaker 3 (15:59):
Oh that was that was pretty quick. It didn't take long.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
It was a great interview process, very thorough interview process.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
The first wave was virtual and it included people.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
From every department to represent and really began engagement with
whoever was going to end up being offered the position
so that we could hit the ground rolling, have some familiarity, etc.
And then when we got into the more intimate discussions
last week here in person, we dove a bit deeper,
(16:32):
you know, surfaced a lot of higher level lines of thinking.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
But it didn't take long for me to realize that
this was a really good landing spot.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
And technically, you know, I don't think that Less like
I mentioned earlier, would have ever raised his hand and
said hey it's time unless he viewed it as a
really strong opportunity to be successful.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Okay, I'm going to go over here on our rate.
Speaker 11 (16:55):
So Brian, congrats. Brent aren't No from CBS forty seven
and Fox thirty. Look at what you bring to the
table as cutting edge or outside the box, and what
does that look like in today's NFL or from a
GM spot.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
Yeah, that's a fair question. I think that.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Yeah, I have a fresh perspective, I'd say, deep understanding
of really the modern tools and mechanisms that are revolutionizing
the sport, and so you know, that'll certainly be something
that we leverage here. While at the same time, I mean,
we're walking into the combine this afternoon, right, and so
(17:37):
the current mode of operation is in rhythm, the cadence
is in place. So my intent here through this initial
spring is to really calibrate my own mode of operation
to the current mode of operation, insert some specific efficiencies
that will help me better understand our groups insights and perspectives,
(17:58):
and then assess at the end of this spring what
types of.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Things we can roll out into the future.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
But we'll certainly, you know, put the pedal to the
metal on a lot of advanced sort of modes of operation.
Speaker 12 (18:12):
Again, straight down, cool pepper, James, Congratulations. I wanted to
ask you about sort of your philosophy of player identification.
I saw somebody Matt Miller, I think tweeted something about
pro ready players versus traits players. Could you do a
little give a little deep dive into what you look for,
particularly with college players, and what you will do to
(18:34):
try to bring those guys who can fit into liam
Siste right away.
Speaker 3 (18:38):
Yeah, that's great question. I'm glad you asked. I think
it's pretty simple. From my perspective.
Speaker 4 (18:43):
We will prioritize people and players that are intangibly rich,
and by doing so, they will elevate our ecosystem, our
team by being nothing more than themselves.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
So it's as simple as that.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Thank you, Okay, straight back, Mark, thank.
Speaker 13 (19:01):
You, Hi, Marklong with the Associated Press, congrats. You talked
about a lot of things about the ever changing landscape
of the NFL, and then you took up with the
mode of operations. But I assume you're hitting at analytics.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
Where can we go?
Speaker 13 (19:15):
I mean, obviously Tony is deep in that, but how
much more is there to be found and had from
in the role of analytics in terms of building rosters
and even maybe even helping with the game management stuff.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
Tony will be leveraged for sure.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
His insight and understanding is top tier, so that in
and of itself is an edge that we can utilize.
Beyond that, the biggest item that I can articulate at
this stage and will for our staff is not that
analytics is ever doing anything other than supporting our current
(19:52):
mode of operation and the traditional ways in which we
approach evaluations.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Now, the fusion between.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
The two is really what's important, Neither evaluations or data
analytics outweighing either, but really supporting one another and being
useful to one another in a way that you know,
increases our efficiency just from an operational standpoint and helps
us make more informed decisions.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
And then you mentioned the fresh perspective.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Can you give us some examples on some of ourselves
out getting away a trade?
Speaker 4 (20:24):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (20:25):
Probably not? Thanks?
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Cut off. Okay, let's go Gary then me Gary?
Speaker 14 (20:33):
Please, Hey James, Gary spends Florida Times Union. This may
be premature, but what do you think the draft day
dynamic is going to be between you, Liam and Tony
in regards to making the decision round by round? You know,
if if the third round of Liam comefus, is I
really got to have a guard? You know what, how
do you anticipate that kind of situation work panning out?
Speaker 3 (20:56):
Okay? If I give you a two word answer. Sure,
your collaboration.
Speaker 14 (21:02):
Okay, And the draft process hasn't always been successful here.
There's been some hits, there's been a few misses. Do
you have you know, what is a figure of mind
as far as the number of players that make an impact.
I know you want all of them to make an impact,
(21:23):
but is there a certain percentage that you're comfortable with
that you really would hope would work out in this team.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
Yeah. First off, I do think every team has their
hits and misses.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
Nobody bats a thousand, but you absolutely go into a
draft thinking that you will. And one of the things
that you know we talked about in the interview process.
By default, Liam and I are aligned. Will continue to
get deeper alignment as we continue to grow and evolve together.
But there will be disagreements and we welcome that. And
(22:01):
when there's ever a moment that we can't bridge the
gap and find some version of common ground when it
comes to evaluating a player, we will have players that
we will align on and we'll focus our attention there
and move those others off to the side, because what's
important is not whether or not those go on to
have success. In my mind, it's that the ones that
(22:22):
we add to our ecosystem are built to thrive in
what we've constructed. And so that's really the intent and
really why I feel like we've had such success in
Los Angeles over the most recent years is because the
people that we do bring in are built for our
environment and really elevate it and themselves by being amongst it.
Speaker 2 (22:43):
Shames's doing great. We're going to do two more just
for James, and then we'll open up the disc So me.
Speaker 15 (22:49):
Please, Hi, James, nice to meet you, Open to Jacksonville.
Curious in knowing that, like you said, right now, the
goal is to bridge the gap of who is here
the philosophies that you are bringing in. Do you anticipate
bringing in any additional resources in terms of people to
the scouting department or what have you between now and
the NFL draft.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
You know what, we're working through those dynamics, but in
all likelihood you won't see any shifts.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
It'll probably be something we address post draft.
Speaker 15 (23:17):
And then if you could just I don't want to
have you give away secrets, but the intangibles tests that's
kind of become renowned that you were a big part
of creating in Los Angeles, if you can kind of
give those who may be unfamiliar with it what goes
into that process and how you came up with it.
Speaker 4 (23:31):
You know, I think if you were to start, even
in your own mind, coming up with whatever whatever skill
sets on the field, you would deem intangible.
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Those are the things that I'm certainly talking about.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
And then even as a person off the field, what
anybody in our mind, we're probably are all going to point.
Speaker 3 (23:51):
To very similar descriptors. That's really what I'm leaning into.
Speaker 4 (23:56):
And one thing that you know, I think many people
talk about the idea of.
Speaker 3 (24:00):
That being important to them.
Speaker 4 (24:01):
I really look forward to showing our staff, our players,
and our fans that we're going to be disciplined in
prioritizing it.
Speaker 16 (24:12):
Okay, Jordan, please, Jordan de Lugo, Generation Jaguar, Welcome to Jacksonville.
Speaker 3 (24:17):
Thank you.
Speaker 16 (24:18):
So when you look at free agency just a couple
of weeks away, is it kind of a mad dash
to try to get everybody on the same page and
the collaborative effort to make sure you're putting together your
best foot forward there?
Speaker 4 (24:29):
No, you know, our group has already been off to
the races, So I'm onboarding in real time. We're meeting
with the coaching staff and scouting staff here this week
at the Combine, and we'll have a lot of deep
discussions around how we'll approach pro free agency throughout this week.
Speaker 3 (24:45):
And that's not honestly atypical.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
That's what a lot of people do and so we're
not behind in any way, shape or form.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
Okay, let's, as I said, open the task for anybody else,
and if anybody needs circle back with James, that's fine too.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Let's give them a minute to maybe get a glass
of water.
Speaker 5 (25:06):
Anybody with questions for anybody else here up on stage,
Let's start with Gene.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Please a question for Shad.
Speaker 6 (25:14):
When you look at at what you have in your
organization right now, a first time head coach, first time GM,
combined with with with Tony being whatever you want, whatever
you want to call him, a supporter, buffer, whatever, how
do you how do you feel about that combination being
(25:35):
a precursor for consistent success that you've been looking for
ever since you owned the team.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
I look at it really positively. I think we have
great people and a great team of people, even though
they might be in the position for the first time.
I think collectively they're going to have great success and
you know, and I think one of the things, you know,
(26:04):
I think we're all aware that you know, their new
but huge amount of you know, the potential to really
grow into it. So I mean you're referring to the
Peter principle, right, and so that is you know, we've
talked about it. You want to be aware of it.
(26:24):
I asked everyone not only here but our coaching staff
there are in that position for the first time, just
to be aware of that concept. But and look it
up on the phone. But it's but I couldn't be
more excited. Frankly. I think the brain power, the brand
(26:45):
with the different experience and really complementary. I mean, this
is a team of football people, executives who are going
to have success. No one is a perfect human being.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
And this isn't.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
About Hey, I got X years of experience and something
A lot of times it turned out to be one
of experience X times over. I mean this is I
just think the brain matter here is gonna be great
for the Jaguars.
Speaker 6 (27:14):
As a follow up for Tony BASSELLI could you sort
of address the same thing you had a lot of
conversations with Less about James. Now you're you're seeing something
very different with the first time head coach, first time GM,
and now you're part of the process. How excited are
you about this combination which includes yourself.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
Well, I mean I'm extremely excited.
Speaker 17 (27:35):
I mean, I like the new title you gave me
chief supporter or buffer. I'm gonna I'm gonna put that
on my business card. So but listen, I'm excited. You know,
started with Liam becoming our head coach, it was clear
and as we sat with him and his vision for
what how we wanted to play football, what the identity
(27:56):
and the standard was going to be at this the
Jacksonville Jaguars was exactly how I think about it. And
you guys know through all the conversations I've had with
you about you got to be tough, physically, mentally smart
football team that's disciplined, and that's exactly how Liam looks
at it. And then as we went through the GM
process together, first and foremost, you know, it's two things
(28:17):
you're looking for. One is it the right individual, the
right makeup of the of the guy that will fit
into what we're trying to build, the culture we're trying
to set in this building and James knocked that out
of the park.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
But that's not enough.
Speaker 17 (28:30):
Then you have to look at the ability and the
acuity to you know, evaluate talent, have a process, you know,
the draft, free agency, and again that's a place where
James excelled and we will see it day after day
and year after year. So the combination of Liam and
h and James and what we're going to build here
and the three of us together, we're aligned and it's
(28:51):
gonna be a collaboration. One of the things that we
talk about Liam and I've been talking about since day
one and since James got here, is you know, it's
not any anyone individual, no ego's agendas. It's about what
happens on the grass. We're going to keep the main
thing the main thing, and that's winning football games. And
that's what we're here to do. At the end of
the day, we're all going to be judged by wins
and losses, and that's what we're going to focus on.
Speaker 15 (29:14):
Let's go over on the left, me and please shot,
at what point in the process did James become the
front runner and the clear choice for you as your
next general manager?
Speaker 1 (29:24):
Well, I think you know the process is very extensive,
and I think James was the last one. We had
the four hour in person and I think you know
we met right after. That was very evident to us.
You know that James was absolutely what we were looking for.
Speaker 3 (29:43):
So we're very blessed to have him.
Speaker 15 (29:45):
And then just one quick one for Liam. I know
James a little punted a little bit on it, but
do you remember your first interaction with James when you
arrived in Los Angeles if you could share that story.
Speaker 3 (29:54):
Just a little bit.
Speaker 18 (29:55):
There was a collaboration within the coaching staff and the
scouting department when it came to the undrafted free agency
process after the draft. That was something that James was
spearheading at the time. This is going back to twenty
eighteen when I first arrived there. He was spearheading that
entire process, and I saw this guy completely dominate that position,
(30:19):
and the ability to communicate with both scouting and the
coaching coaches was just at such a different level than
I was used to seeing somebody be able to do.
That was when you really started to see his process,
his ability. It was really pretty cool to watch his
process growing up and then see him continuing to evolve
(30:41):
it's been awesome to see.
Speaker 11 (30:43):
Okay, let's go Brenton then Mark, Right, I go one
for Liam and Mark, Liam start with you. Staff's assembled now.
It looks like a lot of common themes. At least
they talked the similar language offensively as you do.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
How important was.
Speaker 11 (30:59):
That part of it that people understood what you were
looking for, the language part of that, and why was
that important?
Speaker 18 (31:08):
That's a great question. The balanced attack that we want
to have out on the football field right is the
same exact attack that we were looking for within the building,
within the coaching staff, within the whole structure. Complimentary pieces
that ultimately will lead us to the success we're looking for.
When you go and get a guy like Grant Ydinsky
from Minnesota, who obviously was pretty popular throughout the offensive
(31:30):
coordinator search this year, well he's coming from a direct
position with Minnesota Vikings that he was hand in hand
with Kevin O'Connell and that staff throughout the last couple
of years getting it to the point that it's at
right now, and we speak the same language just so easily. Right,
A lot of the things that we look for that
(31:51):
Tony just mentioned, but also as you dive deeper, and
deeper into the daily rhythms and how we communicate with
each other. It's been such a great transition, and especially
with him spearheading at the offensive side of.
Speaker 11 (32:02):
The ball Mark two Porter. If you don't mind, can
you give us an update. I see a lot of
cranes around obviously some early things happening, I think at
the stadium.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
Could you give us a little bit of an update.
Speaker 19 (32:14):
I'd be happy to, but before I do that, my
role here today is to bring up the average age
at the table there, and also want to also want
to thank the mayor and I see members of the
City Council and City Council Pharmacity Council President Ron Salem,
thank you for getting stadium deal done, which also led
(32:35):
to me being here this afternoon. So I really appreciate that.
If you if you look outside, you're going to see
that there's there are some areas that are fenced off.
There's some deep pile works that's.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Going on there.
Speaker 19 (32:52):
You'll see a crane that's in the south end of
the end zone.
Speaker 2 (32:56):
The work is going on.
Speaker 19 (32:57):
It commenced about forty five days ago and so far
no surprises, but a long long way.
Speaker 11 (33:04):
To go and Secondly, do you have an update or
how close are you to deciding Orlando or Gainesville? And
when will everybody know.
Speaker 19 (33:16):
We're probably within thirty to forty five days from submitting
a report to the National Football League, which will summarize
our evaluation of all the alternatives, will also include a
recommendation the league will receive that, they'll study that, We'll
have a lot of back and forth, and if we
can get to a consensus, which I'm sure we'll be
(33:37):
able to do that, it will then go through the
normal NFL approval process. It would go to committee meetings
in advance of probably the May Owners meeting, and then
if things advance through the committee process, I think maybe
by the May Owners meeting.
Speaker 2 (33:54):
There may be something to consider.
Speaker 19 (33:56):
But keep in mind the approval process for a temporary
stadium is the exact same as extending a lease, so
we not only have to have the League Approval Committee's approval,
but also seventy five percent of NFL owners agree.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
Mark Klong, please for Tony Boselli or Tony Kahan.
Speaker 13 (34:15):
Collaboration is a great buzzword, and I get it that
that's an ideal being aligned. The last three coaching staffs
here pointed fingers like like I've never seen in my
life at each other, the staff and the GM.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
Why do you think this is going to be different.
Speaker 17 (34:33):
Well, first of all, we're not going to worry about
what happened in the past. We can't do anything about that.
So let's focus on where we're going. And at the
end of the day, you're right, Mark, it's easy to
say those words, and ultimately, no matter what I tell
you right now, we got to go prove it. And
the way you build the way you have a you
have a collaboration. It starts with relationships that are built
on trust. And that's what we're establishing and that's how
(34:55):
we'll operate moving forward because at the end of the day,
if we keep the focus on what we're trying to achieve,
which is win football games, nothing else should matter, not
our agendas, not our egos. Who gets credit. I mean,
that's when you get in trouble, whether it's a as
a when I was a player, whenever people start worrying
about the wrong thing in the locker room, you're not
gonna win games. It's no different now and so we
(35:17):
have to go prove it. So we all believe that
and we're going to work towards that, but it starts
with building relationships built on trust and we'll be just fine.
Speaker 13 (35:25):
Does it feel different than what you've experienced before here
as a player and even as a clot.
Speaker 17 (35:29):
Broadcast, Well, it's it's hard for me to say because
as a player, there was only one person that was
collaborating with himself that was Tom Coughlin. So there was
always full alignment, full collaboration, there was no questions. So
and I'm not gonna speak to because it's be unfair
for me to speak to what happened in the past
in the building because I wasn't in the building. I
was sitting with you knuckles out there talking about about
(35:52):
the team.
Speaker 3 (35:53):
Uh.
Speaker 17 (35:53):
And so I'm just worried about where we're going, and
where we're going is in the right direction, with the
right vision, with the right people. The three of us
work together. But at the end of the day, James job,
my job is to support Liam, our coaches and our players,
to give them all the tools, resources and the ability
to go onto the field every Sunday and do the
best to try to win as many possible games as
(36:15):
we can.
Speaker 20 (36:16):
Yeah, I totally agree with Tony, I think collaboration, like
so many things in life, is also partially about chemistry,
and I think we've all gotten to spend some time together.
I think there is really good chemistry with the group,
and I think, like Tony said, the three of these
guys all bring so much expertise, and like one thing
I think we all can totally agree on is all
of us want the best for the Jaguars in the
(36:36):
city and this group, and I think this is a
really really exciting time for the organization. Everybody pulling in
the same direction with really a lot of expertise here
and a lot of brain power and also some really
good people at the table.
Speaker 13 (36:49):
And not to look back too much, Tony, but Tony Kahan,
but like, even though analytics have been part of this
thing since you stepped in the door, there hasn't necessarily
always been a hundre percent push one hundred percent from everybody. Right,
Maybe the coaches say, you've got to convince people that
this is the way to go.
Speaker 3 (37:05):
Do you feel like this is an easy.
Speaker 20 (37:08):
Not only yes, I think this is a great group,
a really forward thinking group, and it's a great question
mark because you know, this is our fourteenth season here,
and we've seen the league change a lot, the Jaguars,
but every team, all thirty two teams, everybody who watches
football has seen elements of the game change and some
of that has I think been driven by the analytics movement,
and I think all thirty two teams have really pushed forward,
(37:30):
you know, since we arrived here in twenty twelve. In
addition to working at the Jaguars with True Media Networks,
we're one of the leading engineering firms for sports analytics
in the world. And I think, thank you and can
provide great support for the Jaguars and continue doing that too.
Speaker 2 (37:47):
Let's go over on the right. Then we'll get to
demark Rick please.
Speaker 9 (37:51):
Yeah, James, the former GM, his communication with us here
was very minimal and when it gets current, it felt forced.
What is your feeling on transparency with the media so
we can get your message to Jaguars fans.
Speaker 3 (38:10):
Yeah, I think being open and honest and opening the.
Speaker 4 (38:14):
Door so that you all feel like you get what
you need to do your job. And at the end
of the day, this is the entertainment business, and you
know we'll treat it as such without interfering with our
ability to do well or have a competitive edge.
Speaker 15 (38:31):
You right?
Speaker 3 (38:32):
For James and Liam?
Speaker 8 (38:33):
I mean jokes aside. Does the age thing bother you guys?
Speaker 3 (38:37):
Annoy you?
Speaker 15 (38:38):
Do?
Speaker 8 (38:38):
You not think about it? Use it as motivation? You know,
thirty nine and thirty four years old? First time? What
is your thoughts on that? Do do you care? Or
I'm just interested in how you guys address that.
Speaker 4 (38:50):
Technically, I don't know that we've actually talked about our
age at all. The interesting thing, I do think we're
both we both start from a place of humility, and
I think that that makes a lot of a lot
of stuff easy and seamless, while at the same time
there's this aura of confidence and understanding that we have
(39:13):
a dynamic asset, and that is our ability to see
what tools are available and apply and execute those within
our spheres. And so I don't know that age has
ever been something that I've my mind's ever gone to
as a part of this process. And we certainly haven't
even brought up in any conversations.
Speaker 2 (39:36):
I got nothing to say.
Speaker 8 (39:38):
So does it sort of seems like it might bother
you a little bit?
Speaker 3 (39:43):
Liam?
Speaker 18 (39:44):
No, it has not come up whatsoever.
Speaker 8 (39:46):
Well, I mean, I'm not between you two, but I mean,
you hear it out there, is what I'm saying.
Speaker 17 (39:51):
Because I'm old. I mean, I wish I was thirty nine,
and thirty four sounds a lot better than fifty two.
Speaker 2 (39:58):
No, it's it's it's great.
Speaker 18 (40:02):
This is a league where you have to be able
to connect with people that are coming out of college.
Right they're coming out of college, they're coming from an
nil landscape from you know, the transfer portal landscape that
this game is ever evolving and ever changing, as we've
talked about, can we connect with the players that to
me is all that really matters. Can this staff, the
(40:23):
personnel department, Tony, can we all connect with these players
to be able to get the best product on the field.
That's really all that matters.
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