As EVP Tom Coughlin won’t attend the 2017 Combine, the Jacksonville Jaguars held a press conference for him to update the media on the team’s plan heading forward. The conference was his first with the organization since his introductory conference in January, and was informative to say the least.

Here are a couple tibits taken from his statements.

1.) Blake Bortles’ play was unacceptable, but the team needs to be better around him as well

The very first question of the press conference, of course, was about Bortles, who Coughlin was noncommittal towards — and rightfully so. Though Coughlin didn’t necessarily say Bortles wouldn’t be the team’s starter, it was clear the young quarterback will need to drastically improve in 2017. One of the issues Coughlin mentioned was Bortles’ lack of care for the ball. Coughlin also cited the team’s poor play around Bortles as an area in need of improvement.

“There is plenty of work to be done for everyone, Blake included,” Coughlin told the media. “To raise the game to a higher level it takes all components though. The protection, people being at the right place at the right time and taking care of the football, which is paramount to that position. There can be no way the ball is turned over to that extent. I think he’d be the first one to say he has a lot of work to do, but we all have a lot of work to do.”

It goes without saying that since becoming a starter, turnovers have been Bortles’ biggest issue. In his three seasons as a starter, Bortles has thrown at least 16 interceptions, and that will obviously need to change.

Most expect the team to bring in some competition for Bortles, and a name often mentioned is Ryan Nassib, who Doug Marrone coached at Syracuse and who Coughlin coached with the New York Giants. He will likely hit the open market at the beginning of the league year and it is expected that he could sign with Jacksonville for obvious reasons. If the Jaguars land him the hope is that he will elevate Bortles’ game — but if not, we may be looking at a new starter in 2017.

As for those around Bortles, they also could afford to play better. Their receiving corps lead the league in drops back in December (and at times, before) and the run game was abysmal for the most — which brings me to the next point.

2.) The offense also needs to run the ball better and a true fullback may be utilized for the first time in years

One of the team’s biggest issues has clearly been the offense’s lack of ability to run the ball. It’s something Coughlin successfully did throughout his days as a coach, and also something that has helped him to win a ton of games. Knowing this, the media asked Coughlin about his thoughts on the Jaguars’ run-to-pass ratio and whether it bothered him philosophically:

“(It does) a lot, I don’t think you’re helping the quarterback at all when you don’t rush the football. I think for our team to be successful in this division (noting that they can run the ball too), keeping our offense on the sidelines — we need to do some of that too. It’s easy to say it’s a correctable thing, but as you know in this league you get behind and have to find quick ways to get back in the game.”

It was expected that fixing the run game would be a point of emphasis, and Coughlin’s statements basically confirms that. The team also made a pending trade to acquire offensive tackle Branden Albert March 9 from the Miami Dolphins, which could be a start in turning things around. The team is expected to add some help through free agency, which could help shape the offense into a more complete group.

Coughlin was also asked about the possibility of bringing on a fullback and had the following to say:

“Fullbacks have been discussed and we have talked about those who are available. In my circumstances we’ve benefited from having a very good free agent fullback (or a college free agent).”

Though he didn’t say it was guaranteed that Jaguars would add a fullback, fans have long wanted to see one used in the team’s offense. In the past, the Jaguars have used Tyson Alulalu at the position for short yardage situations, but it appears that they could now add a true fullback to the roster. If they do, we could see a move made next month in free agency, but the cheaper option would be to acquire an undrafted fullback.

3.) The team lacks mental and physical toughness

When asked about a former player of his, Keenan McCardell, Coughlin praised him by citing his toughness and experience as two of the reasons he was chosen to be on the staff.

“I had him in training camp (as an intern) a few years back and watched him closely. He then went on to coach with Randy Edsall at Maryland University, but I’ve known about his coaching abilities. When you look at Keenan, his background, where he came from and what he’s accomplished — you better believe he’s seen some things and can share some things with the players in that locker room,” Coughlin said. He added: “It starts with toughness, though. That may not be the first thing you think of when talking about receivers, but he was tough. He wouldn’t miss a practice with a separated shoulder. That’s something that is needed. This league can benefit from that attitude and this team can too.”

When asked to clarify his thoughts on toughness and whether it was a huge part of the team’s struggles, Coughlin continued:

“At times, that may not be the key word but it is part of it. There is a mental toughness part of this thing too. You simply have to finish.”

One of the key factors I’ve stated on record is the team’s lack of ability to finish. Throughout the season the Jaguars gave up multiple leads, and it’s a key issue that needs to be addressed going forward. One of the most notable losses of the season was the Jaguars’ week 15 meltdown against the Houston Texans where they gave up a nine point lead in the fourth quarter that ultimately cost them the game. As a result, coach Gus Bradley was fired before the team could even leave NRG Stadium.

4.) It’s not Coughlin’s team, and it will take a group effort to fix

On several occasions Coughlin stated that he basically won’t interfere with coaching affairs and that Marrone is fully capable of running the team. He also made it a point to say that he will be around, however, watching film and spectating to offer suggestions when needed. He also mentioned that there is a lot he can learn from coach Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell, who know the players better than he does.

“It’s our team. It’s Mr. Khan’s team, we all work for him,” Coughlin said. “We’re certainly going to lean on the strengths of everyone that is in that position of influence, whether it’s Marrone, Caldwell, myself or our assistant coaches, who are welcomed to share their opinions. We’ll take advise from anyone but I’ll ultimately make the final call. “It’s a different road and path for me as well, not so much right now because this is what I did as a head coach at this time of the year anyway. When it comes time to have the players and coaches here, that will be different for me though.”

There were some concerns about Coughlin becoming a “dictator” in his role as EVP, but it seems he understands his place in the organization. When the season rolls around, it seems as if it will be Marrone’s show — and as a coach, that’s the way it should be. He will apparently have a wealth of knowledge around him, which can only be a good thing as team lacked guidance under Bradley. With so many young players on the team, having assistants like Joe DeCamillis, Perry Fewell, and Pat Flaherty might be what the roster needs to play better football.