5 HCs Jaguars could have hired in 2020 instead of Urban Meyer

You know you’re a bad coach when you are mentioned in the same conversation as Bobby Petrino and Lou Holtz. Even though Urban Meyer didn’t compose a fight song for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he left them in even worse shape than they were before they arrived.

While Meyer’s arrival was welcomed with optimism in Jacksonville, he quickly went on to show he wasn’t fit to coach in the NFL. The Ohio native often looked overwhelmed and wasn’t able to adjust to the pros, often clashing with his coaching staff and generally not being aware of how to handle himself. Looking back, the Jaguars dropped the ball badly, especially when you take into account that Duval was one of the best destinations in the last hiring cycle. Also, the Jaguars had their fair of choices when it came to filling their head coach vacancy.

Just like Meyer, these five coaches got hired last year but all of them would have done a better job than him.

No. 1 HC the Jaguars could have hired in 2020 – Arthur Smith.

Arthur Smith inherited a roster devoid of talent and still has the Atlanta Falcons competing week in and week out. Even though they traded Julio Jones in the offseason and Calvin Ridley abruptly called it quits in the middle of the season, the Falcons are 6-8. Matt Ryan is still playing at a high level. Also, wide receiver Cordarelle Patterson and tight end Kyle Pitts have become key cogs in Atlanta’s offense. This has been possible thanks to Smith’s influence on the team.

Meyer not being able to field a competent offense was one of his many failures in Jacksonville. There’s a chance Lawrence would be significantly better under Smith’s tutelage and the Jaguars’ wide receiver would play up to their potential. Keep in mind that the Jags interviewed Smith for their head coaching opening but opted for Meyer instead. Based on how things have unfolded, it’s fair to say they misjudged both candidates during the process.