Jacksonville Jaguars: Urban Meyer ranked shockingly low on recent HC list

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost 15 consecutive games in 2020 and have won just 12 over the last three seasons. Thus, it wasn’t surprising the see them part ways with those responsible for their futility on the football field. After cleaning house, the Jags hired Urban Meyer to oversee a rebuild. A renowned program builder in the college ranks, he will be tasked to turn the team that has had just one winning season in the last ten years into a contender.

Looking at Meyer’s college resume, it’s easy to see why the Jaguars believe he’s the right man to lead the team. The Toledo native won three FBS National Championships, two with the Florida Gators and one at the helm of Ohio State. However, you look at it, that’s a great achievement. Also, he’s known for his ability to connect with players.

Meyer has no prior experience coaching in the NFL ranks but it’s not difficult to envision his success in college carrying over to the pros. That’s why it was surprising to see him get such a low spot in a recent ranking.

These rankings were harsh to the new Jacksonville Jaguars head coach.

Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently ranked all NFL head coaches but instead of listing them from best two worst, he made two separated tiers, veterans and first-timers. Meyer was part of the latter category and ranked four out of seven.

Orr thinks that Meyers has put together a “fascinating” coaching staff. He credits the former Ohio State head coach for taking a leap to NFL after an illustrious career in the college ranks. On the other hand, Orr places the Jaguars’ odds of making the playoffs in 2021 at just 25 percent. Furthermore, he believes Meyer will face a few roadblocks in his transition to the pros.

"His time in the NFL will be far more restrictive than he’s used to and his staff will be shouldered with the task of bringing Meyer up to speed. Trevor Lawrence helps but also hinders. If the franchise quarterback’s development stalls, the finger points at the head coach … unlike college."

Surprisingly, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley ranked at the top of Orr’s list despite the fact that he has no prior head coaching experience at any level. Robert Saleh (New York Jets) claimed the second spot and Arthur Smith (Atlanta Falcons) finished third. Although all of them may have taken over more talented teams, you argue that Meyer could have gotten the top spot. After all, he’s won everywhere he’s gone, and has left every program he’s led in better shape than when he arrived.

Urban Meyer has the Jacksonville Jaguars heading in the right direction.

It’s hard to rank at the top of any list after losing 15 consecutive games. However, Meyer has done a good job of getting the Jaguars on the right path. He, along with general manager Trent Baalke have spent the offseason fortifying a roster that lacked enough difference-makers to compete week in and week out.

Moreover, the former Florida head coach is making sure players have access to the best available resources, whether it’s nutrition, training, physical therapy, or sports psychology. Sure, Meyer has made a few mistakes along the way, but that’s to be expected from any first-time head coach.

Even though Meyer’s impact won’t be fully known until the Jaguars take on the Houston Texans in Week 1, there’s no doubt he’s got the team trending up.