Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer is reportedly safe, despite the latest reports of rising tension and clash between him and others in the building amid another dysfunctional Jaguars’ season.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Saturday that Meyer is under more scrutiny in Jacksonville, with players and Meyer’s own assistants taking greater issue with his behavior and treatment of people. Among the allegations, Meyer allegedly belittled his coaching staff and his actions nearly led respected veteran receiver Marvin Jones to leave.
It’s just the latest in a turbulent first NFL season for Meyer. He received overwhelming criticism for hiring assistant coach Chris Doyle, who resigned a day later after public pressure, violated NFL rules during the summer, handled the bar video poorly and the Jaguars are 2-10 entering Week 14. Yet, Meyer’s job appears safe.
According to ESPN, team owner Shad Khan remains committed to Meyer and plans to stick by him through a challenging portion of the Jaguars’ 2021 season.
It’s not the first time Khan, who targeted Meyer before he even fired head coach Doug Marrone, backed the college coaching legend. Amid the team’s struggles and in the immediate aftermath of the bar video, Khan expressed support for Meyer and did so again when there were rumors Meyer was on the hot seat.
Coaches’ contracts are guaranteed and Meyer is believed to have signed a five- or six-year contract with the Jaguars. But the level of conflict in Jacksonville and Meyer’s repeated run-ins with players and staff could eventually force the Jaguars to make a significant change just a year after hiring Meyer.
