Jaguars Owner Shad Khan: 2023 Collapse An ‘organizational Failure’

Khan highlighted the importance of the long-term contracts for key players, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence and pass rusher Josh Allen. He also discussed the Jaguars’ international playing plans, which could potentially include games in London and Northern Ireland. Furthermore, Khan provided insight into the sentencing of Amit Patel, a former Jaguars financial manager, who was

sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for embezzling over $22 million from the franchise through its virtual credit card program

When asked about who he would prefer to call plays in 2024, Khan remained diplomatic. “Yeah, I have an opinion,” Khan said. “But I don’t want to tell people ‘We need to do it’ because then things don’t work out, they look at me and say, ‘We did it because you wanted it.’”

Khan expressed his support for head coach Doug Pederson, allowing him the autonomy to decide. “Doug, he’s empowered,” Khan said. “I’m going to let him decide.”

In 2023, offensive coordinator Press Taylor called the plays, leading to a disappointing finish as the Jaguars lost five of their final six games and missed the postseason. Injuries played a significant role, with Lawrence suffering multiple injuries, including a sprained right shoulder, a sprained left knee, a sprained right ankle, and a concussion. The team also faced challenges with key receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones missing several games.

Despite the setbacks, the Jaguars made significant investments in their roster, giving Lawrence a five-year, $275 million contract extension and signing Allen to a five-year deal worth $141 million. These moves marked the first time since 2018 that Jacksonville has signed first-round draft picks to second contracts.

General manager Trent Baalke and Pederson also bolstered the team by signing five starters in free agency, including receiver Gabe Davis, defensive tackle Arik Armstead, and center Mitch Morse.

“The expectation should be up, too,” Khan said, emphasizing the goal of winning now. He also expressed hopes to secure more annual games in London and did not rule out a future game in Northern Ireland

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Khan chose not to comment extensively on former kicker Brandon McManus, who is facing a lawsuit for an alleged sexual assault on the team’s charter to London. He also noted that some of Patel’s embezzlement occurred while employees were working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In reflecting on the 2023 season, Khan sees it as a lesson learned and a catalyst for future success. “For me, it’s really a cause for self-reflection and then something good to come out of it, because we just can’t have that this year.”