Jacksonville’s coaching search landed someone from its past and present.
The Jaguars can only hope the old-school combination leads to better results in the future.
Owner Shad Khan hired Doug Marrone as head coach Monday and brought back Tom Coughlin to oversee football operations. Marrone replaces Gus Bradley, who was fired in late November after going 14-48 in three-plus seasons.
The Jaguars (3-13) also gave General Manager Dave Caldwell a two-year contract extension. So Marrone, Coughlin and Caldwell are now signed through 2019, giving the new regime a three-year window to, at the very least, make Jacksonville relevant in the AFC South.
“I have confidence that one day soon we’ll look back on today’s news as the moment that inspired and ultimately established the Jacksonville Jaguars as a football team that wins, week to week and season to season,” Khan said in a statement. “The results will speak for themselves in time, but with Tom coming in to join Dave and Doug, there is no question the Jacksonville Jaguars are a stronger football team today.”
Marrone and Caldwell will report to Coughlin, meaning Jacksonville’s first coach is now in charge and will have final say in personnel decisions.
Marrone is the fifth head coach in franchise history, following Coughlin (1995-2002), Jack Del Rio (2003-11), Mike Mularkey (2012) and Bradley (2013-16).
“I think Doug has earned the respect of the offensive players, and I’m excited for him to get this opportunity and the direction of this team,” quarterback Blake Bortles told AP in a text message.
Coughlin, a winner of two Super Bowls in 12 seasons with the New York Giants, will serve as executive vice president of football operations. Coughlin, who led the Jaguars to four playoff appearances in his first five years, will have final say in the NFL draft and in free agency. Caldwell has been the primary decision maker in all personnel moves the last four years.
“I am honored to welcome Tom Coughlin back to Jacksonville, where winning was customary under his leadership,” Khan said.
Khan, who hired Jed Hughes of Korn Ferry International to help with the search, also interviewed Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Mike Smith, New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Arizona offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin for the head coaching job.
He ended up keeping Marrone, who served as Jacksonville’s interim coach for the final two games. The Jaguars won one and blew a late lead in the season finale at Indianapolis.
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