The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to continue their housecleaning, according to a report. Head coach Doug Marrone will follow Tom Coughlin out of the team’s management after Sunday’s season finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jacksonville head coach Doug Marrone has been informed that he will be dismissed following Sunday’s game vs. Colts, per sources. Jaguars will begin a search for a new head coach.
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) December 28, 2019
In addition to serving as an NFL Insider for ESPN, Russini’s father and uncles grew up in the same neighborhood as Marrone, reported Jacksonville.com.
The team reacted quickly to knock down the report:
Statement from Jim Woodcock, #Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s spokesman: "Reports that Doug Marrone will be dismissed after Sunday’s game are 100 percent incorrect. Owner Shad Khan will meet with his football staff, which includes coaching and personnel, midweek next week.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2019
#Jaguars coach Doug Marrone had dinner Thursday night with owner Shad Khan and senior VP Tony Khan. No decision has been made on his future, I'm told, and it sounds as if there's a real chance he stays. Still one more game to play tomorrow vs. the #Colts. https://t.co/PxVcOSXRMZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 28, 2019
Marrone has a 21-28 record in his two-plus seasons with the Jaguars, which includes a 10-21 mark since winning the AFC South with a 10-6 record in 2017 and an appearance in the AFC title game. The Jaguars are 5-10 in 2019.
“I’m truly sorry I let so many down, that I couldn’t have done a better job,″ Marrone on Christmas Eve. “For our fans who are so disappointed and our sponsors, I truly take responsibility and apologize. It’s the holiday time, and you want your team to be doing well, so people can have some pride or joy. And that’s my job, and I haven’t done that.″
Marrone was named the Jaguars’ interim head coach on Dec. 18, 2016 after owner Shad Khan fired Gus Bradley, who compiled a 14-48 record in nearly four seasons.
Khan fired executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin on Dec. 18, two days after the NFL Players Association warned players of potentially signing with the franchise because of excessive fines and player grievances.
“I determined earlier this fall that making this move at the conclusion of the 2019 season would be in everyone’s best interests but, in recent days, I reconsidered and decided to make this change immediately,” Khan said in a statement. “I thank Tom for his efforts, not only over the past three years but for all he did from our very first season, 25 years ago, to put the Jacksonville Jaguars on the map.