Byron Leftwich is a rising star in NFL coaching circles. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is a rising star in NFL coaching circles. For that reason, it was perhaps inevitable that his name would be linked to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head-coaching position, especially since he spent much of his career there.

Leftwich was asked about the Jaguars’ opening at his press conference on Thursday. He responded by getting up and laughing as he walked out, adding that he was “trying to win the division.”

Reporters had already been told the next question to Leftwich would be the last one, so it was not as if he was storming out prematurely. Plus, judging from the smile on his face, he found the exchange somewhat funny, unlike another prominent coach.

Leftwich played for the Jaguars from 2003 to 2006, and he has reportedly been eyed for at least one college job. He’ll probably be asked about the Jacksonville job again before all is said and done.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Nuggets teach Timberwolves it's never easy to knock out the champion
Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Terrion Arnold honors his mother in a unique way
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Watch: Manchester United ties record, highlighting club's ineptitude
Celtics' Jrue Holiday praises overlooked aspect of Jayson Tatum's game
Arturs Silovs' 42 saves lead Canucks past Oilers in Game 3
Braves star leaves game early due to left side soreness
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Flyers goaltender suspended from international play for three years
Pistons make wrong kind of history at NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Pacers C Myles Turner makes absurd three-pointer in first quarter vs. Knicks
Giants place key outfielder on injured list
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR