The only true negative to Waugh's candidacy has to do with optics. Specifically, the optics of him being a close lieutenant of Baalke in both San Francisco and Jacksonville. Waugh being made the hire in Jacksonville this time around could be seen by many as simply an extension of the Baalke-era front office and practices.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have narrowed their general manager search to five, expected to make hire before week ends.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Jaguars’ interim general manager Ethan Waugh is a “strong in-house candidate for the job.” Adding to this, Eugene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union would report that the Jaguars hope to have their general manager named by the end of next week. There may be as many as five finalists, including Waugh.