The Jacksonville Jaguars pursuit of Urban Meyer has proved worth it as the former Florida and Ohio State coach will be the franchise’s next head coach. As one of the most accomplished coaches in college football history, the Jaguars are hoping he can duplicate that success in the professional ranks.
“This is a great day for Jacksonville and Jaguars fans everywhere,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a team statement. “Urban Meyer is who we want and need, a leader, winner and champion who demands excellence and produces results.”
“While Urban already enjoys a legacy in the game of football that few will ever match, his passion for the opportunity in front of him here in Jacksonville is powerful and unmistakable,” he continued. “I am proud to name Urban Meyer the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
Prior to retiring, Meyer coached collegiately at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and Ohio State. He went 187-32 as a college coach, leading Florida to national titles following the 2006 and 2008 seasons and Ohio State to a national title following the 2014 season. He went 17-6 at Bowling Green (2001-2002), 22-2 at Utah (2003-2004), 65-15 at Florida (2005-2010), and 83-9 at Ohio State (2012-2018).
Meyer is making his coaching return at a time when Jacksonville is searching for the right fit to turn the franchise around. The team fired head coach Doug Marrone after the Jaguars went 1-15 in 2020. They enter the offseason with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 draft, several additional draft picks, and the most cap space in the NFL.
It will be the prime opportunity for Meyer to build a team and staff that he believes can bring a winning record to Jacksonville. If anything, the anticipation of the Jaguars taking Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick and Meyers reputation as a great football mind, fans can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Not only are fans excited, Jaguars players reacted positively to the news all across social media when the official announcement was made.
Even Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas weighed in on the news.
Meyers’ friends and former employers were also delighted to hear about his next move.