A deal to make Urban Meyer the next coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars is close to being finalized and could be announced as early as Thursday, multiple outlets reported.
ESPN reported Meyer is scheduled to meet with the Jacksonville brass again Thursday. The final negotiation points include long-term deals for Meyer’s assistant coaches and an upgrade to team facilities, per the report.
It is expected Meyer will be paid in the range of $12 million a year.
Meyer, 56, had a 187-32 record in 17 seasons as a college head coach, winning three national championships. Two of those titles came down the road from Jacksonville at the University of Florida. He grabbed a third title at Ohio State, where he was 83-9 in seven seasons.
He retired after the 2018 seasons and has been working as a college football analyst for FOX Sports.
The Jaguars fired Doug Marrone after four-plus seasons a day after the 2020 season ended. The Jaguars finished the season at 1-15.
Jacksonville has some attractive assets for a new coach. They own the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which is expected to be Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and are projected to be $75 million under the salary cap.
The Jaguars also have the Rams’ No. 1 pick from the Jalen Ramsey trade, as well as the Nos. 33 and 45 selections among a total of 11 2021 draft picks.
