Just three hundred and thirty-six days after being named head coach of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Urban Meyer was fired. In thirteen games as head coach, Urban won just two games before Jags owner Shad Khan had enough of his shenanigans. His tenure was so bad that it begs the question: Was Urban Meyer the worst head coach in NFL history?
Key Takeaways
- Urban Meyer’s tumultuous tenure as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars lasted only thirteen games.
- Meyer’s questionable decisions, controversial hires, and poor team performance led to his swift downfall.
- Reports of a toxic environment within the team and conflicts with players further tarnished Meyer’s reputation.
- Urban Meyer’s firing raised questions about his coaching abilities and whether he ranks among the worst NFL coaches of all time.
Urban Meyer Worst Coach NFL: A Closer Look
On January 14, 2021, the NFL’s worst team from the year prior, the Jacksonville Jaguars, hired Urban Meyer, a three-time NCAA champion college coach. The Jaguars fanbase was ignited again as they held the first overall pick, which meant they were going to get Trevor Lawrence, and now had a head coach who was a proven winner.
Controversial Decisions
Prior to the Jaguars, Urban Meyer had won everywhere he went, but not without controversy. It didn’t take long before controversy followed him to Jacksonville when he hired Chris Doyle as a strength coach. Doyle had faced allegations of racist and unfair treatment to black players during his time at Iowa, leading to widespread protests against his hire.
In another surprising move, Meyer signed Tim Tebow, who had been out of the NFL for six years and was transitioning to a new position as a tight end. Tebow’s brief stint with the Jaguars ended after the first preseason game, highlighting Meyer’s questionable roster decisions.
Team Performance and Turmoil
Urban Meyer’s rocky start continued as the Jaguars were fined by the NFL for violating practice rules before the season even began. Throughout training camp, Meyer created unnecessary tension by pitting Trevor Lawrence against Gardner Minshew in a fake quarterback battle.
The team’s performance on the field mirrored the chaos behind the scenes. The Jaguars struggled in their early games, with penalties, defensive lapses, and questionable coaching decisions contributing to their losses. Meyer’s decisions, both on and off the field, sparked criticism and raised doubts about his coaching abilities.
The Downfall of Urban Meyer
As losses piled up and controversies mounted, Urban Meyer’s coaching style and leadership came under scrutiny. Reports of a toxic environment within the team surfaced, with veteran players clashing with Meyer over his coaching methods and treatment of players.
Final Straw and Firing
The final blow came when ex-kicker Josh Lambo accused Meyer of kicking him and creating a hostile environment within the team. Meyer’s denial and deflection of responsibility only fueled further criticism. His abrupt firing highlighted the swift and dramatic downfall of a coach who had signed a five-year contract but didn’t even last a full season.
Urban Meyer’s tumultuous tenure with the Jaguars raised questions about his coaching abilities and whether he ranks among the worst NFL coaches of all time. His rapid descent from a celebrated college coach to a controversial NFL figure serves as a cautionary tale in the world of professional football.
In conclusion, Urban Meyer’s brief and turbulent stint as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars showcased the challenges of transitioning from college to professional football. His controversial decisions, poor team performance, and conflicts with players and staff all contributed to his downfall. While Meyer’s coaching career may have ended on a sour note, his legacy as one of the most polarizing figures in NFL coaching history is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.