The Jacksonville Jaguars fired former head coach Urban Meyer on Thursday morning, according to owner Shad Khan. In early January, Meyer signed a five-year contract with the Jags. Unfortunately, he lasted only 13 games of the regular season in his first year. In 13 games, Meyer went 2-11 and had numerous controversies in the process. To his define, many believe this may have not been a fair assessment of Meyers due to the innate ability of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The #Jaguars have fired HC Urban Meyer, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/ASeZ9tKFBa
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 16, 2021
Coming to no surprise, the Jaguars weren’t great on all sides of the ball. However, they primarily struggled on the offensive side of the ball. In the second half of the season, many hoped that the Jags would find their rhythm offensively. Especially with Meyer’s running the show, rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been struggling all season but shockingly in the second half. Jacksonville’s offense averaged 9.1 points in Meyer’s final seven games, per FOX Sports .
Jaguars owner thoughts on the matter
While the owner of the Jaguars has issued a statement relaying to Meyer’s termination, in the meantime, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will be taking over. Bevell will be the temporary head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the remaining four games of the season.
Khan released the following statement in announcing the coaching change:
“Darrell Bevell has taken over as the Jaguars’ interim head coach for the rest of the 2021 season, replacing Urban Meyer.” After careful consideration and evaluation of Urban’s tenure with our team, I have determined that an immediate change is necessary for everyone involved.” I informed Urban of this decision tonight. As I mentioned in October, rebuilding trust and respect was crucial, but unfortunately, it did not happen.”
“…To bring closure and allow our players, staff, and fans to recharge, I will refrain from further comments until after the NFL season.”
A Statement from Shad Khanhttps://t.co/lyW8mY7J3S
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 16, 2021
This all shortly took place after Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo spoke to a Florida reporter and emphasized Meyers kicked him during practice. This was an additional controversy upon his very hefty list within 13 games. Meyer’s been proven not to be the greatest of guys, however, disrespecting Lambo a Jaguar staple was a bit too far.
"Urban Meyer, while I'm in that stretch position, comes up to me and says, 'Hey Dips–t, make your f–king kicks!' And kicks me in the leg," Josh Lambo told @NFLSTROUD, speaking publicly for the first time.https://t.co/JpvfN1N9dw
— Tampa Bay Times (@TB_Times) December 15, 2021
The history of college coaches that jump to the NFL
Meyer was one of many coaches that came from the NCAA level to the pros and didn’t open out. The numbers and history aren’t on the college coaches’ side. Meyer most certainly didn’t do himself any favors with his antics on and off the field. He recently hired a strength coach, Chris Doyle, who previously was accused of racist and prejudiced behavior.
The turning point seemed to come when Meyer chose to stay behind with his family instead of flying out with the team. He later was seen in a bar with a woman acting inappropriately which raised several red flags. Although, Meyer found success at every college stop, recording 187-32 with three national championships and seven conference titles. He remains to be another statistic of history.
College HCs jumping to the NFL haven’t fared overly well… pic.twitter.com/UiOrl8NfER
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2021
