Gus Bradley’s fate as head coach likely already decided, so why wait?

The Jacksonville Jaguars moved to 2-10 with their loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, pushing Gus Bradley’s record-setting head coach record at 14-46 with 50 career losses in four seasons still in play. The team had the same issues they’ve had all season, with the defense playing well against a team they should play well against, but the offense once again just couldn’t muster much of anything to win the football game. In fact, the offense contributed more to the Bronco’s offensive output than their own. As each loss mounts, it becomes more clear that the inevitable is going to happen: Gus Bradley will be fired.

Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports classified Bradley’s situation as a “fait accompli” which means a thing that has already been decided before those effected hear about; i.e. the Jaguars have already decided they’re firing Bradley at the end of the season, but haven’t officially told him. You can also classify this as a “No duh”, because it’s pretty nailed on that Bradley will be fired at the end of the season. They can’t possibly think about bringing him back.

But, my question is — Why wait?

If you know you’re firing him and it’s already been decided you’re firing him as LaCanfora suggests, what’s the point in waiting now that you’re officially eliminated from the playoffs? As silly as the argument was, you could make the point that while the team is still in playoff contention you should keep the coach, but now what’s the point? It’s the same thing every week. You can’t possibly think anything is gained from keeping him around for the final four games. You don’t save any money, because coaching contracts are guaranteed.

I’ve seen some people say that owner Shad Khan doesn’t want to show potential head coaches that he will fire someone mid-season, but that’s silly. Why does that matter? They’re professional coaches with guaranteed contracts, they know how it works. If anything coaching candidates should be looking forward to the opportunity because Khan has been overly patient, almost to a detriment. You saw the crowd on Sunday, right?

Not good.

Ultimately, it’s doubtful at this point a move is made with Bradley, which seems categorically insane, given you still have the same exact issues week-in and week-out… but okay!