Jacksonville Jaguars hire Urban Meyer as head coach

Urban Meyer makes the jump from college to the pros, taking the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching post

The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Urban Meyer as their head coach.

The team announced the former Florida and Ohio State coach on Thursday.

Meyer steps into a major rebuild as Jacksonville finished 1-15 in 2020. It won the first game of the season against Indianapolis and lost the rest.

The Jaguars almost certainly will draft Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

“This is a great day for Jacksonville and Jaguars fans everywhere,” team owner Shad Khan said in a statement. “Urban Meyer is who we want and need, a leader, winner and champion who demands excellence and produces results. While Urban already enjoys a legacy in the game of football that few will ever match, his passion for the opportunity in front of him here in Jacksonville is powerful and unmistakable.”

Meyer chimed in with his own statement:

“I’m ready to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Meyer said in a statement. “Jacksonville has an enthusiastic fan base, and the fans deserve a winning team. With upcoming opportunities in the NFL Draft, and strong support from ownership, the Jaguars are well-positioned to become competitive. I’ve analyzed this decision from every angle — the time is right in Jacksonville, and the time is right for me to return to coaching. I’m excited about the future of this organization and our long term prospect for success.”

Meyer left Ohio State after going 83-9 record in seven seasons. The Buckeyes won the 2014 national championship.

He has been a studio analyst for FOX Sports recently.

Ryan Day, who followed Meyer with the Buckeyes, offered congratulations.

Per Jaguars.com:

Meyer, 56, coached collegiately at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and Ohio State. He went 187-32 as a college coach, coaching Florida to national titles following the 2006 and 2008 seasons and Ohio State to a national title following the 2014 season. He went 17-6 at Bowling Green (2001-2002), 22-2 at Utah (2003-2004), 65-15 at Florida (2005-2010) and 83-9 at Ohio State (2012-2018).

Meyer, who will succeed Doug Marrone in the position, becomes the sixth permanent head coach in the Jaguars’ 27 seasons. Tom Coughlin was head coach from 1995-2002, with Jack Del Rio holding the position from 2003-2011, Mike Mularkey holding it in 2012, Gus Bradley holding it from 2013-2016 and Marrone holding it from 2017-2020.

ESPN reminded everyone of what Meyer said after he left Ohio State.