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Odds to Be Jacksonville Jaguars Next Head Coach – Bill O’Brien Favored

John Perrotto

by John Perrotto in NFL Football

Updated Jan 11, 2022 · 3:38 PM PST

Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien calling out instructions as the team warms up before a game.
Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, center, calls out instructions as the team warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
  • The Jaguars are looking for a head coach after firing Urban Meyer
  • Bill O’Brien is the favorite to replace Meyer
  • A look at the candidates’ odds can be found below with analysis

The Jacksonville Jaguars got a jump on their head coaching search by firing Urban Meyer with four games left in his disastrous lone season in the NFL.

While offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell served as interim coach to finish the season, Bill O’Brien is the early-line favorite to be the permanent replacement for Meyer.

Meyer got axed following a 2-11 start that included numerous missteps on and off the field. He compiled an outstanding 187-32 record in 17 seasons as a college coach and won three national championships, two at Florida and one with Ohio State, but was in over his head in the pros.

The good news for the Jaguars is their 3-13 record means they will have the first overall pick in the NFL Draft for a second consecutive year.

Next Jaguars Coach Odds

Coach Odds
Bill O’Brien +225
Darrell Bevell +400
Byron Leftwich +400
Jim Caldwell +650
Doug Pederson +850
Eric Bieniemy +1100
Kellen Moore +1200
Brian Daboll +1450
Matt Eberflus +1625
Joe Brady +1700
Josh McDaniels +2300
Marvin Lewis +2300

SBD Odds as of January 11th.

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O’Brien the Top Choice

The next Jaguars coach’s No. 1 objective is to further the development quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who had a disappointing rookie season. That is also objective No. 2 and objective No. 3.

The Jaguars made it clear Lawrence is the player they feel can turn around the woebegone franchise. They used the first overall draft pick on him last April but he completed just 59.6% of his passes for 3,641 yards with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

O’Brien knows how to develop quarterbacks. Alabama freshman Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy this past season in O’Brien’s first season as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator, though Young struggled in the loss to Georgia in the CFP Championship Game on Monday.

O’Brien previously had a seven-year stint as the Houston Texans’ head coach. In addition to winning four AFC South titles, O’Brien helped Deshaun Watson become an elite quarterback.

Watson made three straight Pro Bowls from 2018-20 and led the NFL in passing yardage last season before sitting out this season because of legal issues.

O’Brien had a 52-48 record in the regular season in seven years with the Texans from 2014-20 but was 2-4 in the playoffs. In his one season as an offensive coordinator in the NFL in 2011, O’Brien’s New England Patriots were second in the league in scoring and third in total yards.

Good Odds for Bevell, Leftwich

Bevell and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich are the second choices behind O’Brien.

On the surface, Bevell being in such high regard is a surprise. The Jaguars were 26th in the league in points scored and 27th in total offense this season.

However, Bevell and Lawrence are said to have a strong relationship. Bevell’s cause was helped Sunday when Jacksonville ended its season with a 26-11 upset of the 14-point favorite Colts that prevented Indianapolis from reaching the playoffs.

Leftwich has ties to the Jaguars. They selected him with the seventh overall pick int the 2003 draft and he started 44 games at quarterback in four seasons.

The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl last season in Leftwich’s first year as an NFL offensive coordinator. Led by Tom Brady, Tampa Bay was second in the league in total offense and fourth in scoring during the 2021 regular season.

Others to Watch

Former Colts and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell would provide a steadying influence amid the turmoil surrounding the Jaguars. He might also be able to coexist with general manager Trent Baalke, who has gained the reputation of not getting along with head coaches.

Current Patriots OC and former Denver Broncos Josh McDaniels has a great offensive mind and might interest the Jaguars. However, McDaniels accepting the Colts’ head coaching job following the 2017 season then resigning shortly thereafter has hurt his reputation around the NFL.

Who Will Get the Job?

Hiring Leftwich makes so much sense.

He played for the Jaguars, spent nine seasons overall as NFL quarterback, has proven to be an outstanding offensive coordinator and has developed the reputation as a great communicator.

A Leftwich-Lawrence partnership could be very fruitful.

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