Urban Meyer, former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was in the NFL for less then a year. Now, new first-hand accounts of exactly what transpired in Florida that led to Meyer’s dismissal are coming out.
Meyer was hired by Jacksonville in January 2021. He convinced the legendary football coach that he would finally make the NFL transition. Meyer, who spent decades coaching student-athletes in college, said that he spent months preparing to move to the NFL.
But it soon became obvious that he was way too ambitious. Meyer appointed Chris Doyle as his teams director of performance just weeks into his new job. Meyer’s decision came eight months after Iowa dismissed Doyle after multiple players spoke out about him using racist language against them and treating them differently based on their race. Meyer defended Doyle’s hiring decision, and Doyle resigned the next day.
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Meyer’s inexperience with NFL rules also made an appearance early. He did not follow the practices protocols of the leagues months into his job. TheNFL fined him $100,000; Jaguars $200,000For holding contact practices during 11 on-11 drills at the teams OTAs. The Jaguars were fined $200,000 and must forfeit two OTA practice in 2022.
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He was still in trouble as a rookie NFL coach. After his first season, he was back. Thursday Night FootballMeyer missed the team flight due to a need for time with his Ohio family. Hours later, a video capture him receiving a lap dance from a young woman at Urban Meyer’s Pint House.
Despite the losses mounting, Meyer was still with the Jaguars. Things changed in December. NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reported on Meyer’s clashes with his own coaches and players. On Dec. 15, former Jaguars’ kicker Josh Lambo said Meyer kicked him before a preseason game and Jacksonville axed its coach shortly after.
Months later, Jayson Jenks, Mike Sando, of The AthleticWe have published an expose that exposes Meyer’s even more troubling issues.
Urban Meyer regularly threatened coaches and players.
As part of The Athletic’s reporting, Sando and Jenks spoke to multiple Jaguars’ players and coaches who were with the team during Meyer’s tenure. Based on first-hand accounts, Meyer used intimidation and threats to motivate his team members.
One such incident occurred in August. A player was not assigned to play in the preseason game, which led to a forfeit play. Meyer was furious and reacted on the sidelines. He was furious a day later and told the players that he would end their NFL career if it happened again during a meeting.
Do you know what would happen to you guys if I let you go? You won’t find a job that pays $15 an hour.
Urban Meyer’s message to players after a preseason game, via four first witnesses (The Athletic)
A head coach threatening to cut numerous players isn’t unprecedented. However, Meyer’s implication that none of the men he would cut are capable of anything more than playing football was an offensive suggestion. Meyer was immediately disregarded by one veteran who told The Athletic.
The atmosphere became unlike any other, with Meyer regularly yelling at team personnel and making it clear he could fire them for any mistake and players weren’t alone. A member of the Jaguars’ football operations staff told The Athletic that it was “the most toxic environment I’ve even been a part of. It is by far the most toxic environment. Not even close.”
D.J. Chark, who was released by the Jaguars as free agency, stated that he believes Meyer works under the assumption that threats are motivating. However, he knew some players he couldn’t cut. Chark admitted to The Athletic that he had made a mistake and that Meyer would fire Meyer’s receivers coach, even though he was right.
There are players who fear losing their jobs. There are coaches he ridiculed in front of us and I can only imagine what his secret life was like behind closed doors. To be honest, I’m surprised he survived that long.
D.J. Urban Meyer Chark
Meyer tried to conduct live contact drills during training camp despite opposition from veteran coaches or players. Chark broke his finger in a blocking drill. Meyer wanted the receiver to do more reps.
However, it’s not the most troubling thing Meyer is accused of during his tenure.
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Urban Meyer used offensive tones in his remarks about Southerners
John Brown, a veteran wide receiver, signed with the Jaguars on November 8. This added depth to the position. During his short stint with the team, he found himself on the receiving end of Meyer’s rage.
The 31-year-old receiver made a mistake during a practice drill. Brown met with Trevor Lawrence, quarterback, after practice to correct his error. Meyer addressed Lawrence after the teammates reviewed the route.
Trevor, it’s time to slow it down. These boys from South, their transcripts aren’t right.
Urban Meyer to Trevor Lawrence about Florida native John Brown, via The Athletic
The implication that Southern players, with Meyer referring to men, as slower mentally and mocking their intelligence didn’t sit well with those who heard it.
Meyer’s anger and desire to berate players didn’t work well for those on the receiving end. One player was particularly affected by Meyer’s anger and desire to berate players. He was scolded so harshly that it left him in tears.
Urban Meyer was unfamiliar with NFL stars, didn’t know Aaron Donald
For a coach who claims he spent months preparing for the NFL, those around him seemingly didn’t see it. One issue cited by multiple players and coaches, Meyer was unfamiliar with some of the NFL’s biggest stars and that included Aaron Donald.
Who is this 99-year old Rams fan? I hear he could be a problem.
Urban Meyer to Jaguars’ staffer during 2021 season, per The Athletic
Between that and Meyer’s criticisms of NFL scouts, calling them “lazy”, it quickly became apparent to those in Jacksonville that Meyer wouldn’t last long in the league. He was fired and his coaching career seems over.
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