Mike Mularkey fired by Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired head coach Mike Mularkey after just one season, the team announced today. The Jaguars ended the season with a 2-14 record in 2012 with one of the worst offenses in the NFL and leading the worst team in Jaguars franchise history.

"I know Mike well and do not want anyone to misinterpret the rationale behind my decision," Jaguars general manager David Caldwell said in a team release. "Mike is excellent coach and I am sure he will succeed in next stop in NFL. However, I must do what I believe is best for Jaguars and immediately explore every avenue possible to turn our football team around. For that to happen as seamlessly as we want, and as quickly as our fans deserve, I feel it is in everyone's best interests for an immediate and clean restart."

Mularkey was hired by general manager Gene Smith in the 2012 offseason with the idea he would help grow quarterback Blaine Gabbert. While Gabbert showed improvement, it was minimal and he was eventually benched for injury and play in favor of Chad Henne, who was underwhelming in relief.

"Mike Mularkey is leaving our organization with my utmost respect," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a team release. "Mike gave the Jaguars everything he had on and off the field, and his efforts as our head coach will always be appreciated. Mike will land on his feet soon. Until then, I wish nothing but the best for Mike and his family."

Not only was the Jaguars offense and quarterback position woeful, at one point in the season the players met with Mularkey because his practices were too grueling and the players felt it contributed to the rash of injuries the Jaguars suffered.

Mularkey was just the third coach in Jaguars history, but was the shortest lived coach in franchise history lasting just a single season. The Jaguars will now begin their coaching search for their fourth coach in franchise history under new general manager David Caldwell.