Jacksonville Jaguars name Urban Meyer as head coach

JACKSVONVILLE, Fla. – ***UPDATE: 6:50 p.m. Jan. 14, 2021 ***

The Jacksonville Jaguars have named Urban Meyer as the next head coach of the team.

“This is a great day for Jacksonville and Jaguars fans everywhere,” team owner Shad Khan said in a statement. “Urban Meyer is who we want and need, a leader, winner and champion who demands excellence and produces results.

***ORIGINAL***

A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team’s coach.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday because a formal agreement was not in place.

The person says it could be done soon.

Meyer would be leaving the broadcast booth and returning to the sidelines after a two-year break that followed another health scare.

The 56-year-old Meyer has won three college national championships, with a staggering winning percentage of more than 85%.

The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to search for a new head coach, with former Ohio State and Florida Gators leader Urban Meyer apparently at the top of the team’s wish list.

ESPN reporter Adam Schefter tweeted the Jaguars are in “advanced talks” with Meyer and the two sides met Wednesday.

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The Jags fired Doug Marrone after the team finished 1-15 this season, the worst season in franchise history. Marrone had a 25-44 record, including playoffs, in four seasons at the helm.

Meyer won three national championships two with the Gators and one with the Buckeyes, and compiled an overall college record of 187-32.

Meyer has never coached in the NFL.