Jaguars HC Doug Marrone: ‘I’m truly sorry that I let so many people down’

In a disappointing season, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone stood in front of the media today to deliver a heartfelt apology to the fans, media, sponsors and everyone in between.

After starting the season 4-4, the Jaguars have lost six of their last seven games, including a 24-12 loss against the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday. Staring yet another 5-11 season in the face, the disappointment among players and coaches has been felt throughout the stadium.

Many excuses could be made, however Marrone has taken full responsibility for everything that has happened this season as far as on-field performance. A team that was once thought of as a Super Bowl hopeful has regressed in short fashion.

“Our fans that are so disappointed and our sponsors, you know I truly take responsibility and apologize,” Marrone said today during his Tuesday press conference. “You know, it’s the holiday time and you want your team to be doing well so people can have some pride and some joy, and we haven’t done that.”

Reflecting on the holidays, Marrone says he has always taken a lot of pride in being able to push, get players and coaches in the building focused and creating a better mindset during the week, “what I haven’t done a good job is [in] our performance on Sunday.”

In a message to his football team, Marrone said his primary message this week would be to appreciate the time they have together in a disappointing season. The Jaguars will play their final game of the at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, a game which means little as far as 2019’s outlook, however, could mean a lot for the franchise moving forward and into the offseason.

“Having an opportunity that — it’s not gonna change the season —, but an opportunity to play together one more time — to be together one more time. To be at home, and to end this thing, what I think is, the right way.”

For weeks Marrone has stood in front of the media to give his perspective on the team, and to answer questions from the local media. Always taking responsibility, the Jaguars head coach has not yet been one to make many excuses when it comes to the team’s on-field production.

“Rather than getting up here — nobody wants to hear excuses, nobody wants to hear agendas to try to save themselves or anything of that nature,” said Marrone. “So I truly am appreciative of everyone and I’m truly sorry that I let so many people down. That I couldn’t have done a better job.”

While Marrone has been squarely in the hot seat for most observers this season, he says he understands the business side of things — his first wake up call occurring in college when his offensive line coach was dismissed. The NFL is one of the most volatile leagues there is, more than division one college football and certainly more than division three. Marrone has grown to understand the position he’s in over time.

“For me, I look at it as, I understand this business, I understand what my job is to win games. And when you don’t do that, you gotta be able to accept what the consequences are.”