The Jacksonville Jaguars could be the first team to hire a new head coach this offseason.
As the NFL season is rapidly winding down, teams will be looking for their next head coach. If the Jacksonville Jaguars have their way, they could be in line to hire their next man in a few short days.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars and former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer are in advanced talks to see whether they can finalize a deal this week. Meyer was reportedly also in talks to interview for the Los Angeles Chargers job.
On paper, this seems like a win-win deal for all involved. Meyer, a three-time national champion, has done nothing but win in his 20-plus year career. With four different schools, the 56-year-old has compiled a 187-32 college coaching record.
He also helped the Buckeyes claim their first national title since 2002.
Should Urban Meyer be the top candidate for all teams?
Jacksonville will need a complete overhaul this offseason in the front office. The team fired general manager Dave Caldwell after seven years of mixed results. Although sound in the draft, Caldwell’s free agent acquisitions cost the team multiple losing seasons.
Not all is lost for the Jaguars, who will have two first-round picks in 2021, including the top selection. With the plan to find the franchise quarterback, Meyer would have his choice in either Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State’s Justin Fields. The team will also have the Los Angeles Rams selection following last season’s mid-year trade of Jalen Ramsey.
There are pieces for a successful start on both sides. Offensively, James Robinson, DJ Chark, Jawaan Taylor and Laviska Shenault will provide value. On defense, the team will hope to build a foundation with Josh Allen, Myles Jack, K’Lavon Chaisson and CJ Henderson.
Meyer was always Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s first choice. Barring any setbacks, this should be a done deal before the playoffs come to a close.