Urban Meyer, the three-time national championship-winning coach, will be the next Head Coach of Jacksonville Jaguars.
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).
“I’m ready to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars. 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 analysed 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 organisation and our long term prospect for success.”
Meyers talking of the new appointment.
“This is a great day for Jacksonville and Jaguars fans everywhere. 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. I am proud to name Urban Meyer the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
Jaguars owner Shad Khan
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.
The Jaguars went 1-15 in 2020 and enter the offseason holding the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. That marks the first time the Jaguars have held the No. 1 selection.
The Jaguars’ general manager position remains open, with the team having dismissed David Caldwell from that position on November 29.