2021 has added another layer to the extended, drawn-out peril surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars for years. Although, this time around, the main point of contention inside the organization appears to point towards one person: the head coach. The Jaguars’ hiring of Urban Meyer sparked a wave of interest barrelling towards the team. The future looked bright especially considering their selection of Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in the 2021 draft.
Unfortunately, things never really picked up from the draft as far as optimism goes. To put it simply, the team has looked awful all season. Meyer, in particular, seems to have performed the worst of anyone. At least that’s what one unnamed player would suggest.
�He came in preaching values, family, and team. It�s been anything but since the start of training camp. He�s a phony and a hypocrite. We know who he is.�
Anonymous Jaguars Player
This being his first stint in the NFL, you would expect some bumps along the way. But Urban Meyer’s mistakes seem too costly to recover from.
Urban Meyer’s first year in the NFL
The Jaguars 2-11 record speaks for itself. However, you don’t usually expect a massive turnaround for a rebuilding NFL team in one season. That said, the nature inside the Jaguars locker room appears to mirror the on-field product we’ve been beholden to thus far.
Per sources, Meyer’s approach regarding his team management in private and public affairs has driven up frustration from both players and coaches. And despite his faults, which include him being caught on video in an Ohio bar snuggled next to a woman who wasn’t his wife, he hasn’t changed his manner. Many thought he would have lost his job after that incident in Week four but to no avail.
Recent developments within the organization only echo the turmoil that preceded it. He had a contentious exchange with WR Marvin Jones. Supposedly, he also challenged his assistant coaches, allegedly calling them losers. And apparently, he lied about why he benched RB James Robinson against the Rams in Week 13. Speaking on anyone leaking info about ongoings inside the organization, Meyer responded with purpose.
“What’s the answer [when things are going badly]? Start leaking information or some nonsense? No, that’s nonsense. That’s garbage. I’ve been very blessed. I’ve not really dealt with that […] if there is a source, that source is unemployed. I mean, within seconds, if there’s some source that’s doing that.”
Urban Meyer
With their most recent loss to the Tennesee Titans, it looks as though they’ve hit a new low. In a 20-0 shutout, the Jaguars have now lost their fifth straight game and ninth straight in their AFC South division. While all signs point to a necessary parting between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Urban Meyer, we’ll have to wait and see what becomes of the situation in the remaining season.
