URBAN FAILURE: MEYER FIRED

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

Urban Meyer is out in Duval. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

---

After less than a full season as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Urban Meyer has been fired. 

This news stems from a series of unflattering reports about Urban Meyer's behavior inside the Jaguars' facility and on the practice field. 

Of course, it goes much deeper than that. Beyond the recent reports of lies, staff and player shaming, and arguments with players, Meyer's time in Jacksonville has been marred by controversy. From the hiring of Chris Doyle (a coach accused of racist behavior), to the signing of Tim Tebow, to more than a handful of staff members voluntarily leaving at various points throughout 2021, to ducking a team plane ride back from Cincy, to kicking Josh Lambo, Urban Meyer's tenure as the Jaguars' head coach was an unmitigated disaster. 

Did I mention he entered the 2021 offseason with the most cap space in football and an arsenal of draft picks? What have the Jaguars to show for it? Two wins, a broken offense, and an absolute circus. ​

A New Hope Tee

Shop

Now that Urban is finally out, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will steer the ship for the remaining four games in 2021. Bevell served as the Lions' interim head coach in 2020 as well. It'll be intriguing to see what changes, if any, Bevell makes to the Jaguars' offense now that Urban Meyer's presence no longer looms over this organization. The Jags have lost five straight games and haven't scored more than 17 points since October 17th. They're coming off their first shut-out since 2009.

The Jaguars host the Texans this Sunday at 1 pm. 

"Darrell Bevell will serve as interim head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for the balance of the 2021 season. Darrell succeeds Urban Meyer," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement. "After deliberation over many weeks and a thorough analysis of the entirety of Urban's tenure with our team, I am bitterly disappointed to arrive at the conclusion that an immediate change is imperative for everyone. I informed Urban of the change this evening. As I stated in October, regaining our trust and respect was essential. Regrettably, it did not happen.

Trent Baalke continues as our general manager and will work with Darrell to ensure that our team will be inspired and competitive while representing Jacksonville proudly over our final four games of the season. In the spirit of closure and recharging our players, staff, and fan base, I will not comment further until some point following the conclusion of the NFL season."

Long term, who will Jaguars' owner Shad Khan choose to replace Meyer? And will Trent Baalke be involved after the conclusion of the 2021 season? Beyond knowledge of the game and leadership, a genuine human being would be a nice change of pace. If I'm Shad Khan, every move I make over the next couple of months will need to come with the Trevor Lawrence seal of approval. 

Follow Jordan on Twitter.