The Jacksonville Jaguars may be closing in on hiring Urban Meyer to be the franchise's next head coach.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, “rumors are spreading” that Meyer will take the Jaguars job, and he will retain interim general manager Trent Baalke, too. Jacksonville has effectively shut down their coaching search as they continue speaking with Meyer and await his decision.
Florio makes a point to note that the latest buzz is circulating amongst the coaching community and not an official report.
The Jaguars interviewed Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Sunday. Earlier on Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofalo reported that the Los Angeles Chargers were still in pursuit of the former Ohio State and Florida head coach. A formal interview with Meyer has not been scheduled, but the two sides have recently spoken.
L.A. has reportedly interviewed Smith, Carolina Panthers OC Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills OC Brian Daboll, New York Giants OC Jason Garrett and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. The team has interviews scheduled with Indianapolis Colts DC Matt Eberflus and San Francisco 49ers DC Robert Saleh.
Both teams offer enticing opportunities for Meyer, 56, who has never coached in the NFL. The Jaguars will likely select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the no. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft, while Chargers QB Justin Herbert just completed the most prolific season in history for a rookie signal-caller.
Urban Meyer's .854 winning percentage (187-32) ranks third all-time in college football history. He won three national championships across stints in Gainesville and Columbus.
Jacksonville fired head coach Doug Marrone on Jan. 4 after a 1-15 campaign. Meanwhile, Los Angeles fired Anthony Lynn following a 7-9 season.
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