NFL News: Rams' James Gladstone Hired as Jaguars GM after Liam Coen Added as HC

The Jacksonville Jaguars hired former Los Angeles Rams director of scouting strategy James Gladstone as their new general manager on Friday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan released a statement following the move.

"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, to name a few of many virtues he will bring immediately to the Jaguars," Khan said, via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Gladstone will serve alongside new head coach Liam Coen, who was hired by the Jaguars on Jan. 24.

Coen was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator in 2024, but he has ties to Jacksonville's new general manager dating back to his tenure with the Rams.

Gladstone operated as a senior assistant to the general manager with Los Angeles in 2016, staying with the team in multiple roles before becoming director of scouting strategy in 2022.

As for Coen, he was an assistant coach on the Rams from 2018-20 and had a brief stint as their offensive coordinator during the 2022 season.

Gladstone will be replacing former Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke, who was fired on Jan. 22 after spending four seasons with the organization.

Jacksonville conducted an extensive search to find its new general manager, meeting with 11 candidates over the "past two weeks" (via John Oehser of the team's official website). This included five in-person interviews since Tuesday.

The Rams have experienced success in the draft throughout Gladstone's tenure, which continued during the 2024 season.

Former fifth-round pick and 2023-24 Offensive Rookie of the Year Puka Nacua averaged 90.0 receiving yards per game, while rookie pass-rushers Jared Verse and Braden Fiske both wrapped up impressive inaugural years in the NFL.

Verse earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, while Fiske finished No. 3 in voting for the award by amassing a team-high 8.5 sacks.

The Jaguars will be looking for similar success through the draft while also improving their roster around Trevor Lawrence in free agency under Gladstone.