Former Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich eventually could become Jaguars head coach Byron Leftwich. For now, Leftwich is focusing on the task at hand, as offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I really think it’s disrespectful to the Jets and whoever you’re playing that week when you’re talking about things that really have nothing to do with Sunday’s game,” Leftwich told reporters on Thursday when asked about Jacksonville’s request to interview him. “I’m completely focused on this football game on Sunday. Obviously, as a coach anytime your name is thrown around, I guess it is what it is, but it really means nothing at this point. It really means nothing at this point and I kind of think it’s disrespectful to the guys that you really work with every day. That’s really how I view that. If I’m ever fortunate enough to be in that situation that’s when I’ll handle it, but as of right now, I’m really focusing on the opponent we’re about to play and getting us ready to try and play our best football.”
Although he didn’t specifically say it, Leftwich’s comments suggest that he hasn’t, and that he won’t, accept the invitation to interview for the job during the final two weeks of the regular season.
Regardless, Leftwich’s quarterback believes in him as a head coach.
“I’ve been around a lot of great coaches over the years and it’s just a matter of time for different guys when different opportunities come up,” Tom Brady told reporters on Thursday. “Byron has been amazing for me to work with, and I know he will have a lot of opportunities. He will do a great job.”
Leftwich seems to be focused on his current job. The NFL’s interview protocol creates an inherent distraction, and the new procedure extends the distraction two weeks earlier. Some think that no head-coaching jobs should be filled until the postseason has ended. While it would delay the hiring process for teams that need coaches, it would let the assistant coaches who become candidates for those jobs focus exclusively on their current gigs.
Leftwich, to his credit, seems to be exclusively focused on his current gig. Even if it may keep him from getting his next one.