JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Ten days into 2013, Jaguars owner Shad Khan said, "I do happen to believe it's going to be a happy new year in Jacksonville, due in large part to the man I'm about to introduce."
That man is 38-year-old David Caldwell, who has been officially introduced by Khan as the Jaguars' new general manager. Caldwell replaces Gene Smith, who was fired by Khan on December 31 after four years, the last of which was a "major disappointment," according to Khan.
"The team has really gotten worse over the last 3 years," said Khan. This year's 2-14 record followed 5-11 in 2011, which followed an 8-8 team from the year before.
Caldwell is 38 and married with a son. He comes to Jacksonville from Atlanta, where he was most recently Director of Player Personnel for the Falcons.
"I know this is a great place," Caldwell said upon his introduction, adding that he is "humbled" to be where he is now.
Caldwell hasn't wasted any time making moves, already firing Head Coach Mike Mularkey.
Caldwell thus takes over a team in need of a head coach, and with questions at quarterback, where two players, 2011 first-round pick Blaine Gabbert and veteran Chad Henne, will remain on the roster in an "open competition" for the starting job. Both Gabbert and Henne started this year, each winning one game.
The inevitable question of Tim Tebow came up in the news conference, and Caldwell stunned the gathered crowd when he said, "I can't imagine a scenario where he will be a Jacksonville Jaguar."
Asked to repeat what he said, Caldwell used the same words and an expressionless face.
As for his expectations, Caldwell said, "We're looking for positive, passionate people and players." He also wants atmospheric changes.
He also echoed Khan's stated goal when he said he planned on being the first general manager to bring a Super Bowl championship to Jacksonville.
Caldwell didn't get into specifics about his head coaching search, nor did he specifically address his timeline.
"What I'm looking for is continuous improvement," beginning immediately and continuing after "excellence is evident."
Khan reaffirmed that the search for a head coach is under Caldwell's direction, much as he said when Gene Smith began the search a year ago that brought Mularkey to town.
