Jan 22, 2013; Mobile AL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars new head coach Gus Bradley at Ladd-Peebles Stadium after watching the Senior Bowl north squad practice. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of their offseason program and there is a lot to learn.  The team is on its third offseason program with three separate head coaches and the veteran players are in the midst of learning all they can about the new offense and new defense the team will be employing.

Perhaps the biggest change is the departure of Mel Tucker as defensive coordinator, who served as DC for the four seasons previous.  In comes Bob Babich and head coach Gus Bradley’s defense and it will take some getting used to.  Right now it’s all about learning the terminology and communication.  ”That’s what we’ve been doing the first week or so, is learning all terms and naming formations so we can communicate effectively. We have to spend a ton of time getting used to all the different terms and different philosophies,” said linebacker Russell Allen about getting all the new information over the past week.

The defense in particular is getting a complete overhaul.  While the base 4-3 defense is the same on the surface, the way the players play and the different roles are a major departure.  Under Tucker the defense was simple, relying on the reactions of the players and the ability to play fast.  Under Bradley and Babich it will be more scheme oriented.

Departures from the past are new for the defense, but the offense is going through another whirlwind of changes.  For receiver Cecil Shorts III this is his third new offense, one for every year he has been in the league.  This year appears to be a bit more player friendly under offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch.  It will still take some getting used to, but compared to the mass of confusion that was the offense under Mike Mularkey this year’s offense should be easier to grasp.  The simplification isn’t making players’ time any easier as they learn an entirely new scheme, however.  ”You have to be on your toes,” says Shorts.  ”If not, it’s a little embarrassing, because you want to show a new staff and new offensive coordinator you’re on top of your game.”

The Jaguars will head into Phase 2 of the offseason program next week and should  begin player-coach non-contact drills.  Putting the things the veterans have learned thus far into practice should help the team to grow and learn the concepts faster.  For now, it’s still terminology and making sure you’re laying a strong foundation in this new season.

- Luke N. Sims

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Andy Heck was selected by Andy Ried to coach the offensive line in Kansas City. Andy was our O-Line coach but if Andy Ried turns the Chiefs around, Andy Heck will be noticed. Normally moving from the Jaguars to the Chiefs is not considered moving up, but coaching for Andy Ried right now looks up to me.

Mel Tucker is the new Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator. Chicago is a much more visible position than the Jaguars position and so Mel Tucker landed in a better upward position than he had here. Mel Tucker can leverage that into a HC possibility with a strong Bears defensive showing.

Greg Olson went from our QB coach to the Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator.  Olson has more NFL experience than Gus Bradley. With a strong performance in Oakland, Greg can leverage his experience and successes into a HC position.

Somehow I don’t believe coaching was the Jaguars’ problem. I think Jack Del Rio and Mike Mularkey could have delivered playoff teams if they had something to work with. The biggest change the Jaguars needed was in the GM position and now we wait and see.

- Terry O’Brien

I have to assume that someone or many someones spoke on his behalf. I have to assume that Jack Del Rio was contacted. Marc Trestman, the Bears new Head Coach, was in the CFL for the last few years. Marc Trestman didn’t have NFL contacts deep enough to know who Mel Tucker was or his reputation. Mel earned this spot based on his reputation and interview. Good job Mel!

Since the Jaguars, well Dave Caldwell exactly, control the assistant coaches fate due to contracts, I have to assume they helped Mel Tucker to go but were also ok with him going. The interview he had with Dave Caldwell might have gone something like this:

Dave: Mel, what are your plans, would you like to stay?

Mel: I think my time here is up, I’d like to explore some options.

Dave: OK, tell me about the existing staff and your opinions of each of them.

Mel Tucker is a direct honest guy. He probably left the Jaguars with enough information for Dave Caldwell to make good decisions. If Mark Duffner stays, Mel recommended him. If Joe Cullen stays, Mel Tucker recommended him. It will be very interesting to see how Gus Bradley fills out his positions. I have a hunch Mel Tucker left a very good roadmap for change behind.

- Terry O’Brien