Let's Set Odds: Who Will be Jaguars Next Head Coach?
By Reed Wallach
The Jacksonville Jaguars fired head coach Urban Meyer after a disastrous lone year with the organization and will look to bring in a fresh face to continue to build around Trevor Lawrence.
Adam Schefter mentioned several names that were at the top of last year's coaching search that were passed over for Meyer following the news of Meyer's departure.
With some of those names off the board, others remain in prominent positions to move into a head coaching role, let's handicap who is in line to take over as the head man in Jacksonville.
Brian Daboll, Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills (+900)
Daboll has built a strong offense in Buffalo with dual threat quarterback Josh Allen.
We have seen flashes of brillance form Lawrence, who is a capable rusher himself, can Daboll implement his offensive scheme in Jacksonville?
He was a big name in coaching searches last year, but one has to wonder if the team wants to go for a first time head coach after the Meyer debacle. It's worth noting that the Bills have underwhelmed relative to preseason expectation, possibly taking some luster off of Daboll's name.
Raheem Morris, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams (+600)
Morris went from defensive coordinator and interim head coach of the Falcons to DC of the Los Angeles Rams since he was a finalist for the Jags HC job last year. Will the team look his way again?
Morris has head coaching experience from his time with Tampa Bay as well, compiling a 21-38 record across four seasons, but it's clear that the team is going to put a focus on surrounding Lawrence with the most help, so they may opt for an offensive mind at the top.
Eric Bieniemy, Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs (+300)
Bieniemy is a key cog to the Chiefs offense alongside Andy Reid and has been a finalist for several jobs over the past few years. After nearly landing the Jacksonville job last year, will he get it on his second try with the organization, or will he opt for other options?
The Jags could move aggressively on Bieniemy, knowing they missed their guy the first time, but they should opt for a more expansive search after the Meyer one went so wrong. Either way, the Chiefs OC is sure to be a hot name in the offseason both with Jacksonville and other expected openings.
Josh McDaniels, Offensive Coordinator, New England Patriots (+250)
McDaniels has head coaching experience and may be able to establish the Patriots culture that a team like Jacksonville is seeking after such a tumultuous season with Meyer.
The New England OC has experience coaching the Broncos, going 11-17, and was named the coach of the Indianapolis Colts before backing out of the job to maintain his post with Bill Belichick. Is the idea of building a team from the bottom up around Lawrence enticing enough to pull him from Foxboro?
Byron Leftwich, Offensive Coordinator, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+150)
The former Jaguars quarterback would be not only a sentimental higher but a popular one around the league.
He spent four years with the team as QB and has now been a coach with Tampa Bay for several, including the last two with Tom Brady and arguably the best offense in the league.
Leftwich will excite fans and also give him an opportunity to build an offense with a dynamic young quarterback.
For more on the Jaguars new coaching search, make sure to check out Matt Verderame's article below!