Will the Jacksonville Jaguars really hire Urban Meyer?
When the Jacksonville Jaguars parted ways with general manager David Caldwell earlier this season, they told head coach Doug Marrone his job would be safe for the remainder of the year. Nevertheless, there weren’t any guarantees beyond 2020 and the season is near its end. Heading into Week 17, it seems like the ‘Jags’ will part ways with Marrone and will pursue a big-name replacement.
One head coaching candidate this Jacksonville team could pursue is former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer. They recently engaged in preliminary talks through an intermediary and has been lining up a coaching staff. Moreover, he’s been telling his associates he expects to land with the Jaguars, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Rapoport says the ‘Jag’s are undecided about Marrone, and his report states they are interested in a big-name, not just Meyer, so it may be a bit too soon to declare this a done deal. Keep in mind he has also been linked to the Los Angeles Chargers potential opening too.
What would the Jacksonville Jaguars with Urban Meyer?
Meyer is one of the most polarizing figures in college football. You can ask two different people and you can get two totally different takes regarding the former Florida head coach. On one hand, his supporters will point to his 187-32 record with four different teams throughout his 17-year coaching career in the college ranks. Furthermore, Bucky Brooks of NFL Media believes ‘it makes sense for the Jaguars to target a program builder like Meyer’.
On the other side of the coin, his critics will bring up the fact he has bailed on successful programs twice under-less-than ideal circumstances. He cited health concerns as one of the reasons, but it’s fair to wonder whether he can handle the rigors of the NFL.
Whether the Jaguars hire Meyer, the news of his potential arrival in Jacksonville has generated mostly positive reactions on social media.
Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence.. that should be fun to watch
— Patrick (@patpatriot22) January 3, 2021
If Matt Rhule can transition to the NFL so can Urban Meyer
— Derrick L. Mercer (@dmercerspeaks) January 3, 2021
Big Cat of Barstool wondered why an NFL team would want Meyer and this gentleman responded.
Urban Meyer is a General that has an amazing ability to relate to his players. Im not sure how long he’d last but the time he was there i have no doubt he’d be successful.
— ARao (@Anthony33380584) January 3, 2021
The Jaguars may not draft Ohio State’s Justin Fields, but Terrell is willing to change alliances.
When Urban Meyer goes to the NFL and drafts Fields, THAT’S gonna be my new team🔥
— Terrell🦇 (@TerrellKuro) December 28, 2020
The Jaguars have not won.
— Кevin (@KevinFromDuval) January 2, 2021
Urban Meyer wins.
Bring Urban Meyer to JAX.
So is Urban Meyer taking @justnfields or @Trevorlawrencee with that @Jaguars 1st pick . This is how we like to start off the new year lol
— BallerWalk (@Ballerwalk1) January 3, 2021
would be hype if urban Meyer lands the Jaguars job should it open
— sherm (@sherman_allen) January 3, 2021
This man’s residences have gone hand in hand with Meyer’s coaching stops.
Urban Meyer coached UF while I was living in Jax. Then we moved to Columbus the year he started coaching OSU. Now we move back and he’s supposed to coach the Jaguars.
— Uncle Towel (@KyleBYoung) January 3, 2021
However, not everyone is thrilled and some wonder how much power Meyer’ would wield in Jacksonville.
If the reports are true about Urban Meyer to the Jags possibly happening I'm curious to see how much money and power/final say on players etc does he get to make the jump.
— Joey Railroads (@JoeyRailRoads) January 3, 2021
The Jaguars hold enough draft picks and cap space to quickly build a contender. However, it won’t matter if they don’t bring in the right head coach to oversee the team’s rebuilding efforts. Whether it’s Meyer or someone else, they need to get this hiring right.