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The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to hire former Florida Gators and OSU head coach Urban Meyer as its next head coach, according to multiple reports. While the deal is not finalized, the overwhelming reports surfacing indicates the deal will get done at some point today.
With that, there are plenty of rumors and speculation regarding Meyer and the Jaguars’ head coaching gig, including some speculation as to who the former college championship winner will bring in, and how the structure of the organization will play out with Meyer in the fold.
The Jaguars have certainly taken their time in this year’s hiring process. After the ousting of Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell, the team’s power structure has been completely shaken up, but how much will it change if Meyer is in the fold?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the two sides are finalizing a deal:
At this time, it’s Jacksonville as the one and only for Urban Meyer. Jaguars’ owner Shad Khan’s process has led him to Meyer, and Meyer is highly interested, and the two sides are interested in trying to finalize a deal this week. https://t.co/gDpE46pyuG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2021
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adds more substance, stating the Jaguars were the focus:
Former national-title winning coach Urban Meyer is working toward finalizing a deal to be the next coach with the #Jaguars, per me and @TomPelissero. The deal is expected to be done soon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2021
The #Jaguars identified Urban Meyer as their top target from the start. He did have some talks with the #Chargers, but the focus was always on the Jags. No. 1 pick, plenty of cap space, endless draft picks... https://t.co/xfxCr9O7Ls
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2021
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler mentions two potential assistant coaches coming along with Meyer:
Source: Urban Meyer and Jaguars are getting a deal done today. Meyer will be the next Jacksonville coach.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 14, 2021
Two potential moves I'm watching for with Urban Meyer and Jaguars: Chris Ash (Urban's DC at Ohio State) as DBs coach, #Texans DC Anthony Weaver (Urban's GA at Florida) as a head defensive assistant/DL.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 14, 2021
Sources: Urban Meyer is finalizing a deal to become the next coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. All signs point to a deal being done today.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 14, 2021
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer states Meyer would want facility upgrades:
Sources: the Jaguars and ex-Ohio State and Florida coach Urban Meyer are working out a deal to make Meyer the team's HC. Much of the negotiation has been over facilities upgrades and staffing. Meyer's gotten assurances in those areas.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 14, 2021
Talks have been ongoing for over a month.
What do you think? Urban Meyer is likely the team’s next head coach, but how much of an impact will he make in Jacksonville? Let us know in the comments below!