The Jacksonville Jaguars lost their season finale against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday by a score of 28-14, which will give them the worst record in franchise history (1-15). Of course, with that many have speculated that Doug Marrone will be relieved of his duties, but it appears fans will have to wait for a concrete answer.
After Sunday’s loss, Marrone told the media that he spoke with owner Shad Khan Saturday about the rumors that have been circulating concerning his job status and said that Khan called it “news to him.” Marrone also added that he plans to meet with Khan Monday, which will likely lead to fans getting the answers they’ve wanted.
Marrone says he called Shad Khan yesterday when news of another HC broke. Khan said it was "news to him."
They are scheduled to meet tomorrow.#Jaguars
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) January 4, 2021
Marrone also stated that NFL insider Ian Rapoport reached out to him before releasing his report which revealed that the Jags are eyeing retired Ohio State coach Urban Meyer as an option to replace him. He proceeded to thank Rapoport as the news gave him the heads up to inform his family.
Marrone says @RapSheet texted him before he broke the Urban Meyer story, revealed his sources.
Marrone really appreciated it, was able to debrief his family ahead of time.
Again, was "new news" for Marrone
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) January 4, 2021
Sunday’s loss concluded Marrone’s fourth season as a head coach with the Jags though he spent 2016 on the staff as an assistant. He finished the process with a 23-43 record and a 2-1 playoff record with the Jags. Of course, his only postseason appearance with the Jags was in 2017, when the team made it to the AFC Championship.
In November, the Jags parted ways with general manager Dave Caldwell, which felt like the writing on the wall for Marrone though ownership told him he’d finish out the season. With Marrone finishing 2020 with just a win to his name, it’s hard to see him retaining his job as he is the last key figure who remains from the Jags’ 2017 run.
As for Meyer, he makes a lot of sense for the Jags due to his ties to Florida while coaching the Gators and his abilities as a program builder. Per Rapoport, he’s been calling around to have a staff in place just in case he lands a job with the Jags in the coming weeks.