Urban Meyer agrees to deal to become Jaguars next head coach

The Jaguars reached an agreement Thursday to hire Urban Meyer as their next head coach, replacing Doug Marrone, the franchise announced.  

Meyer, a three-time national champion coach, met with owner Shad Khan for a second time on Wednesday and was seen exiting a plane at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville on Thursday.

From the start, Meyer was the Jaguars' top target. He was the only candidate granted an in-person interview with Khan on his yacht last Friday in Miami.  

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

''While Urban already enjoys a legacy in the game of football that few will ever match, his passion for the opportunity in front of him here in Jacksonville is powerful and unmistakable. I'm proud to name Urban the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.''

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Khan considered it a priority to hire a proven coach who can assemble a talented staff. Meyer never had a losing season in 17 seasons as a college coach, going 187-32, including 12-3 in bowl games. Meyer's 85.4 winning percentage is the third-best in FBS history.  

Meyer's hiring brings relevancy to a Jaguars franchise that has been marred with futility with nine losing seasons in the last 10 years. Marrone was fired on Jan. 4 after finishing with a franchise-worst 1-15 record. He lost 21 of his last 24 games, including going 12-36 since leading the Jaguars to the AFC championship game and winning the AFC South title during the 2017 season.

''I’m ready to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars.'' Meyer said in a statement. “Jacksonville has an enthusiastic fan base, and the fans deserve a winning team. With upcoming opportunities in the NFL Draft, and strong support from ownership, the Jaguars are well-positioned to become competitive

''I’ve analyzed this decision from every angle—the time is right in Jacksonville, and the time is right for me to return to coaching. I’m excited about the future of this organization and our long term prospect for success.”

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The Jaguars selected Meyer over Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, former Tampa Bay Buccanneers/Atlanta Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris and Tennessee offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. 

Meyer, 56, is just one of three coaches to win a national championship at two different schools.

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He led Ohio State to a national title in 2014, after delivering Florida national championships in 2006 and 2008.  However, Meyer retired from coaching in December 2018 at Ohio State after seven seasons, citing health problems. 

In 2014, Meyer underwent surgery to relieve pressure caused by a congenital arachnoid cyst in his brain that continued to cause headaches through his final season with Ohio State.

Since he retired from coaching, Meyer has spent the past two years as a college football studio analyst for FOX Sports.

Meyer quit after six seasons with the Gators in 2010, citing that he wanted to spend more time with his family. Meyer's first resignation at Florida came in 2009 after being hospitalized because of chest pains after the Gators lost to Alabama in the 2009 SEC championship game. But he eventually changed his mind and took a leave of absence before returning to coach the 2010 season in Gainesville.  Some Gators fans have not forgiven him for leaving abruptly. 

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Meyer is known for getting the best out of the talent he assembles and is considered an exceptional motivator for players. He's also a perfectionist and takes losing hard. There are no assurances if Meyer will be able to enjoy the same success in the NFL as he did in the college ranks.

The Jaguars' vacant head coaching job was considered one of the most attractive among the six other openings, including the Falcons, Lions, Texans, Chargers, Jets and Eagles. 

The Jaguars have locked up the No. 1 overall pick to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and they have 11 draft picks in the upcoming April draft, including two picks in the first and second rounds. Also, the Jaguars have more than $90 million in available cap space for free agency. And they have a promising young core that includes defensive end Josh Allen, linebacker Myles Jack, running back James Robinson, cornerback CJ Henderson, receivers DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault.  Meyer also coached starting offensive guard Andrew Norwell for two seasons at Ohio State (2012-13).

Meyer has plenty of tough decisions ahead regarding roster, whether he will retain any of Marrone's former assistants still under contract and narrowing their potential targets for the upcoming draft.