The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach search has been ongoing for a short period of time. But after the firing of Doug Marrone, a few possible candidates started to gain traction. The franchise is headed for the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Not only that, but the Jaguars head coaching vacancy is one of the most attractive in the NFL.
Along with hiring a head coach, Jacksonville is also searching for a general manager after getting rid of Dave Caldwell earlier in the season. Couple those hirings with the presumable roster for next season, and the Jags are one attractive team to coach or work for.
As of now, the head coach candidates include current NFL assistants and a former college coach. While the team has yet to make a hire, interviews are still ongoing. The search could take some time to bring someone in, but patience is key. The fan base has to be patient with the front office to ensure that the team makes the right hire.
Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Candidates
Urban Meyer
Urban Meyer is a former college coach at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State. Despite not having NFL experience, the current Fox Sports Analyst has ties to the state. He coached at the University of Florida in Gainesville from 2005-2010. With the Gators, Meyer won two national championships in 2006 and again in 2008. Gainesville is a mere 90-minute drive from Jacksonville. The opportunity to possibly draft players from the state would be a huge advantage. ‘
But, Meyer may not be the right fit. See, he left Florida after the 2009 season for health reasons. Then in 2011, he accepted the job at Ohio State. He stayed in Columbus from 2011-2018. In 2015, Meyer won a national championship with the Buckeyes. Before the 2019 Rose Bowl, he decided to retire due to health reasons.
The Jaguars would have success under Meyer. However, his health could be a big issue. The franchise would probably refrain from hiring a coach that may only stick it out for a few seasons, even if he is winning.
Eric Bienemy
The current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, Bienemy is the most attractive name currently. He has helped lead the Chiefs to become an AFC powerhouse. Just last season, Kansas City won the Super Bowl with a firepower offense under Bienemy’s leadership.
He would fit in perfectly as the head coach in Jacksonville. The city and fan base would embrace him with open arms. His track record and patience could land him the perfect opportunity. With Trevor Lawrence coming to town soon, Bienemy could have his eyes set on Duval.
Robert Saleh
Saleh is the San Francisco 49ers current defensive coordinator. While he is interviewing for other jobs, he has become the likely candidate to be Jacksonville’s next head coach in the last week or so. A former Jaguars assistant, Saleh knows the team well. He has experience with the front office as he coached from 2014-2016 as the linebackers coach.
His tenure with the Jaguars is more recent than the other two top candidates. Some think the veteran coach would be the perfect fit. While that could be true, only time will tell.
The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach search may take time. However, owner Shad Khan is going to make the rounds of interviews and hire the right coach. This organization will be set up for future success no matter who is leading on the sidelines. As the search continues, it will be interesting to see who the franchise decides to bring in.
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