Urban Meyer has been hired as the next coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced Thursday.
“Urban Meyer is who we want and need, a leader, a winner and champion who demands excellence and produces results,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement. “I am proud to name Urban Meyer the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
ESPN reported Meyer met with the Jacksonville brass again Thursday. The final negotiation points included long-term deals for Meyer’s assistant coaches and an upgrade to team facilities, per the report.
It is expected Meyer will be paid in the range of $12 million a year.
Urban Meyer Takes Aim At NFL
Meyer, 56, had a 187-32 record in 17 seasons as a college head coach, winning three national championships. Two of those titles came down the road from Jacksonville at the University of Florida. He grabbed a third title at Ohio State, where he was 83-9 in seven seasons.
He retired after the 2018 seasons and has been working as a college football analyst for FOX Sports.
The Jaguars fired Doug Marrone after four-plus seasons a day after the 2020 season ended. The Jaguars finished the season at 1-15.
Jacksonville has some attractive assets for the new coach. They own the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which is expected to be Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and are projected to be $75 million under the salary cap.
The Jaguars also have the Rams’ No. 1 pick from the Jalen Ramsey trade, as well as the Nos. 33 and 45 selections among a total of 11 2021 draft picks.
–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)
