Louis Riddick appears to be the likely replacement for General Manager Trent Baalke, who was recently fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had Trent Baalke as their general manager from 2021 until his departure on January 22, 2025.
Under his leadership, the team finished with a 25-43 record. Notably, the Jaguars selected quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In an effort to assemble a competitive roster, Baalke also committed important players to long-term deals.
After the Jaguars fired Doug Pederson, they began looking for a new head coach in early January 2025.
However, the procedure encountered problems as some of the best applicants chose not to interview or withdrew from consideration.
Favorite candidate and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen decided to stay in Tampa Bay.
Furthermore, Baalke left the Jaguars due to the team’s poor performance and the team’s inability to find a new head coach.
Jaguars part ways with GM Trent Baalke. pic.twitter.com/0MzQd5wJCZ
— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2025
In appreciation of Baalke’s work over the last five seasons, owner Shad Khan declared that the two parties had decided to part ways, with immediate effect.
Ethan Waugh took over as general manager in the interim after Baalke left.
During this time of transition, Waugh is responsible for managing the team’s operations and spearheading the hunt for a new head coach.
The Top 5 Most Likely Prospects to Replace Trent Baalke as Jaguars General Manager
The Jaguars have started looking for a replacement after splitting from Trent Baalke, and several deserving applicants have surfaced.
After Trent Baalke left the Jacksonville Jaguars, this is a list of successors as possible general managers.
Moreover, Louis Riddick and Will McClay are the most likely choices for their next general manager.
1. Louis Riddick
As a former NFL scout, director of pro personnel, and current ESPN analyst, Louis Riddick has established a solid reputation.
Additionally, people respect his football expertise and have repeatedly linked him to general manager positions.

With his background with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders and extensive player evaluation knowledge, Riddick would offer the Jaguars new insights.
In his current position in the media, he has visibility and knowledge of what it takes to create a successful team.
He is the most likely candidate for Trent Baalke’s replacement because of his strong scouting background, leadership abilities, and ability to relate to players.
Trent Balkee Gone.. Theres only one man for the Job
— CWillTheGOAT ‼️ (@CWillTheGOAT_) January 22, 2025
LOUIS RIDDICK‼️ @LRiddickESPN https://t.co/0AsGmV03mo pic.twitter.com/7p2RFEHcST
2. Will McClay
Given Jacksonville’s need for a long-term roster overhaul, his experience might be helpful. Will McClay serve as the Dallas Cowboys’ VP of player personnel?

Although the Cowboys are renowned for their balanced rosters and successful draft selections, McClay plays a crucial part in determining that success.
Spotting talent, following a system, and managing a systematic player evaluation process have made McClay one of the most reputable figures in front-office operations.
3. Ray Agnew
Agnew, currently the assistant general manager of the Detroit Lions, has played a key role in making the Lions’ roster one of the NFC’s more competitive teams.
He has a solid background in team-building techniques as well as player evaluation.

Moreover, people recognize Agnew as having contributed to developing a more integrated culture and a stronger roster for the Lions.
As the Jaguars continue to grow under coach Doug Pederson, they could benefit from his experience rebuilding a franchise.
4. Ethan Waugh
Having served as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Jaguars for several years, interim general manager Ethan Waugh is well-versed in the organization’s internal operations and present objectives.
Additionally, he has a distinct advantage when taking on a more permanent role because of his internal knowledge.

As a longtime employee, Waugh is familiar with the team’s current dynamics, player relationships, and the ongoing rebuilding process.
5. Mike Greenberg
The Tampa Bay Bucs’ assistant general manager, Mike Greenberg, may be able to replicate his Tampa Bay success in Jacksonville.
Alongside general manager Jason Licht, he helped create a talented roster that helped the Bucs win the 2020 Super Bowl, a major factor in the team’s success.

Furthermore, the Jaguars would greatly benefit from Greenberg’s roster management expertise, knowledge of the salary cap, and contributions during Tampa Bay’s championship season.
The integration of the coaching vision with talent recruitment would be facilitated by his prior experience working with front-office and coaching staff.
Each applicant has a unique strength in managing salary caps, team culture, player evaluation, or franchise rebuilding experience.
The Jaguars’ choice will probably depend on how they balance experience and new ideas to keep improving after Baalke leaves.