The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially named James Gladstone, former director of scouting strategy for the Los Angeles Rams, as their new general manager. At just 34 years old, he now holds the title of the youngest GM in the NFL.
Gladstone’s hiring comes after Jacksonville parted ways with Trent Baalke on January 22, following a disappointing 4-13 season that left them third in the AFC South. With the additions of Liam Coen as head coach and Tony Boselli as executive vice president of football operations, the Jaguars have completely revamped their leadership in an effort to reset the franchise.
Owner Shad Khan emphasized that this decision was made with careful consideration.
“James emerged as my choice, and our choice, following a painstaking but energizing interview process that left nothing to doubt… In the end, we found James to be a class ahead and exceptional in every regard—vision, new ideas, communication, chemistry, and a keen understanding of the league and our team.”
Now, Gladstone inherits a team with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a massive investment in quarterback Trevor Lawrence with his $275 million contract, and an organization in dire need of stability. His challenge? Rebuild the Jaguars into contenders.
Can James Gladstone Repeat His Rams Success in Jacksonville?
Following the Rams’ Super Bowl 56 victory in 2022, the team faced a major roster overhaul, navigating salary cap issues and the loss of key veterans. As the leader of L.A.’s scouting and draft strategy, Gladstone played a pivotal role in reshaping the team on the fly—keeping them competitive instead of slipping into a full rebuild.
During his tenure, the Rams:
- Drafted 14 players in 2023, signed 26 undrafted free agents, and turned five into starters.
- Stole Puka Nacua in the fifth round, who shattered rookie receiving records.
- Drafted Kobie Turner and Byron Young, both Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists.
- Used their first first-round pick since 2016 to land Jared Verse, who went on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024.
This wasn’t luck—it was elite scouting, analytics, and roster-building. Jacksonville is hoping Gladstone can replicate that success. The Jaguars may not be ready to win now, but with Trevor Lawrence, a top draft pick, and a leadership team committed to change, Gladstone has the opportunity to shape the franchise’s future.
The Gladstone-Coen Partnership Will Define the Jaguars’ Future
Gladstone and new head coach Liam Coen already have an established connection, both having worked within the Rams’ system. Coen, who held multiple roles under Sean McVay, including offensive coordinator, worked closely with players Gladstone helped scout.
Now, the duo must rebuild Jacksonville’s struggling offense, which underperformed in 2024 due to offensive line issues, inconsistency from Calvin Ridley, and an overreliance on Travis Etienne Jr. If history is any guide, Gladstone will:
- Prioritize building the offensive and defensive lines.
- Uncover hidden gems in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft.
- Construct an offense tailored to Coen’s vision, similar to how the Rams built under McVay.
This is not about a quick turnaround—it’s about long-term sustainability, something the Jaguars have struggled with for years.
With James Gladstone overseeing the rebuild and Liam Coen guiding the offense, Jacksonville is betting that this new leadership duo can finally transform the franchise into a consistent contender.
