Schefter: Jaguars 'Not Close' to HC Contract with Byron Leftwich, Matt Eberflus, More

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to take their time as they search for a new head coach. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jaguars are still talking to multiple candidates, including Byron Leftwich and Matt Eberflus, but they "are not close to a deal with anyone at this time" because executive leadership is "still going through the process and figuring out" the right person for the job. 

The Jaguars were one of the first teams in the market for a new head coach after firing Urban Meyer on Dec. 16. 

They have cast a wide net in their search with at least seven candidates brought in for an interview: Leftwich, Eberflus, Todd Bowles, Jim Caldwell, Doug Pederson, Kellen Moore and Nathaniel Hackett. 

There has been recent speculation that Leftwich is the primary target in Jacksonville. The 42-year-old has spent the past three seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator. 

Leftwich knows the Jaguars franchise very well, having played for them from 2003 to 2006 after they drafted him seventh overall out of Marshall. 

Tampa Bay has had a top-three scoring offense in each of Leftwich's three seasons with the team. 

While the Jaguars finished an NFL-worst 3-14 in 2021, their head coaching job might be one of the most desirable this offseason. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is only 22 and one year removed from being the most hyped quarterback prospect in the draft since Andrew Luck in 2012. 

Jacksonville will also have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft to potentially add another franchise player.