As expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with coach Doug Marrone this morning, making them one of six NFL teams with a head coach opening. With the Jags head coaching title now vacant, owner Shad Khan will now have to fill that role in addition to their general manager vacancy, which became open in November when Dave Caldwell was let go.
Someone who has been heavily associated with the Jags’ coaching job is retired Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who NFL insider Ian Rapoport says has been putting together a staff with the expectation that he will be their guy. However, on Monday morning, Khan denied that he had spoken with Meyer about a job offer or interview.
“On the rumor of Urban Meyer, obviously, I’ve known Urban over the years through Big Ten, and what have you,” Khan said to the media. “But we have not spoken to anyone about this job or even, obviously, interviewed him. I mean, this is something—just made the decision this morning. So, you know there is—and I’ll leave it at that.”
After Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Marrone was asked about his job status and revealed that he spoke with Khan this past weekend about the Meyer rumors. Khan then referred to the rumor as “news to him” and Marrone also revealed that he was set to meet with Khan this morning. Well, the meeting occurred, and Marrone was let go in the process.
As for Meyer, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Jags were really high on him for reasons Khan stated Monday, like the desire for a franchise quarterback and winning culture. As most are aware, both are things that have been heavily associated with Meyer’s career, although he’s never coached on the NFL level.
Shad Khan says the QB position has evaded the Jaguars and makes it clear they will be looking for a franchise quarterback.
"We have the ability to make a choice and it will define the franchise moving forward."
— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) January 4, 2021
Ultimately, time will tell whether or not Meyer is the Jags’ top candidate. Regardless, Khan will likely make the process a thorough one as the Jags’ vacancies have been viewed as the most attractive.