Jacksonville Jaguars: Credit Scott Milanovich for Blake Bortles’ success

The Jacksonville Jaguars are seeing a different Blake Bortles in 2017. Give Scott Milanovich credit for the quarterback’s success.

The Jacksonville Jaguars needed someone to guide Blake Bortles through his struggles. Last January, Jacksonville hired Scott Milanovich because of his past experiences. Bortles’ success this season should be a credit to him.

Milanovich played quarterback at Maryland from 1992 through 1995. He signed as an undrafted rookie by Tampa Bay in 1996. Milanovich spent the next four seasons in Tampa. Due to his lack of success in the NFL, Milanovich spent the next four years in four different leagues. He played in NFL Europe and in the XFL from 2000-01. The Arena League and the Canadian Football League (CFL) are where he landed before becoming a coach.

Probably making a great move, Milanovich found his groove as a quarterback coach. Since he was not a star NFL quarterback, he became a student of the game. He has been coaching quarterbacks in every coaching job which began in 2003.

In 2007, Milanovich became the quarterback coach in Montreal of the CFL. The next season, he added the title of offensive coordinator. Because of his coaching success, he was promoted to assistant head coach as well as keeping his other responsibilities.

The Toronto Argonauts hired Milanovich as their head coach in 2012. Most of all, he was named the 2012 CFL coach of the year. Also, he has won three Grey Cups which is the CFL’s version of the Super Bowl.

Doug Marrone spoke very highly of Milanovich, according to John Oehser of Jaguars.com:

"… “He will be a great asset to our coaching staff, as his professional playing and coaching experience will be vital in the improvement of our quarterbacks.”"

Oehser reported Tom Coughlin’s remarks:

"“Scott Milanovich brings a variety of experience to our coaching staff,  … Working closely with Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, we expect the quarterback position to deliver positive results under Scott’s direction and guidance.”"

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Seems like Bortles is responding because there is noticeable improvement. In addition to minimizing his turnovers, Bortles is finding the open receiver downfield. Milanovich has turned the Jaguars fans opinion of Bortles from negative to positive. Bortles may have a long career in Jacksonville, because Milanovich turned his career around.