Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. denied a report from the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero that he left the practice facility after being angry with Urban Meyer's "public and private criticism of the receiver group" at some point in the past two weeks, though he did confirm Wednesday the two spoke about the situation.

Jaguars WR Marvin Jones confessed he didn't leave practice but he did have a conversation with Meyer about how receivers were being perceived as a problem

— John Reid (@JohnReid64) December 15, 2021

#Jaguars WR Marvin Jones on the reports of him and Urban Meyer having a heated exchange. pic.twitter.com/dRnHitWFt7

— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) December 15, 2021

"I'll just say this: There was something that was brought to my attention that I didn't like too well," he told reporters. "I approached him about it, and we talked and we handled it like grown men. And that's all I have to say about that."

Pelissero noted a number of other instances of unrest and confrontation in his report, chief among them that Meyer "delivered a biting message that he's a winner and his assistant coaches are losers" during a staff meeting. 

Meyer denied the report in no uncertain terms:

Jaguars coach Urban Meyer on fixing what's wrong: "What's the answer? Starting leaking some information or nonsense? That's garbage. ... If there is a source, then that source is unemployed. I mean, within seconds."

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 12, 2021

That report also suggested that Meyer ordered the benching of running back James Robinson after he fumbled in a 37-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Robinson only returned after rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence questioned the benching.

"Bottom line is James is one of our best players and he's got to be on the field and we addressed it," Lawrence would later tell reporters, "and I feel like we're in a good spot and the whole team, we're good."

But per Pelissero's report, several Jaguars "vented their frustration to Rams players after that game, sources say, reiterating a common complaint that Meyer—who had no prior NFL experience—doesn't treat them like adults."

Going back to Oct and once again today, several NFL executives around the league have told me they don’t believe Urban Meyer will be coaching the #Jags next season. Says one NFC exec: “Why did they think it would work? I’m not sure there was ever a scenario where he’d succeed.”

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 13, 2021

Meyer's tenure looks increasingly as though it could be one-and-done in Jacksonville, though team owner Shahid Khan told reporters he wouldn't make decisions based on "just acting helter-skelter on emotion."

"I'm not impulsive," he added. "I learned that a long time ago with anything that's this important you don't want to be impulsive. You want to look at exactly what I know first-hand, what people are telling me and then collect that and do the right thing."

As for the 31-year-old Jones, he went from catching 76 passes for 978 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago to posting 54 receptions for 610 yards and three scores through 13 games. 

Some downturn in production isn't shocking, given that he's going from Matt Stafford to a rookie in Lawrence at quarterback. But Jacksonville's inept offense under Meyer, which ranks 30th in yards per game (303.1) and 31st in points per contest (13.8) has been a waning tide that lowers all ships.

When the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall this past April, it was supposed to be a watershed moment for the franchise. The long-struggling Jaguars finally had themselves an elite quarterback prospect, one from a premier program and one who carried few concerns.

Lawrence was not Blaine Gabbert or Blake Bortles. He was touted as a generational talent who would quickly become the next big thing.

"Lawrence is living up to the hype he received as the top high school quarterback in the country and looks like a Week 1 franchise quarterback with the upside to win multiple MVPs, and only injuries or an incompetent franchise will put him on a path toward failure," Nate Tice of the B/R Scouting Department wrote after the draft.

The 22-year-old has been healthy throughout his inaugural campaign and has played 99 percent of the offensive snaps. However, he has too often been undermined by incompetency—not at the franchise level but at the head coaching level.

For as talented as Lawrence is, he's still a rookie who needs guidance, support and a strong culture to become an elite pro. Rookie head coach Urban Meyer is providing none of that, and if the Jaguars hope to avoid seeing Lawrence become the next Tim Couch or David Carr, something has to change.

            

A Culture Problem

Lawrence was part of a blue-chip program at Clemson, and he was used to winning. Coming to Jacksonville was always going to represent a bit of a culture shock. The Jaguars are not a talented team—they "earned" the No. 1 pick for a reason—and they were going to present something foreign to Lawrence: losing.

By October, he had lost as many games as he had throughout high school and college combined.

Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence now has lost as many NFL games as he did during his entire high school and college careers combined.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2021

However, this was part of the reason why Jaguars franchise owner Shad Khan hired Meyer. The 57-year-old coach had won at Florida and Ohio State, and he was supposed to know how to implement a winning culture in Jacksonville.

"He's a winner, a leader, and a champion. He's the man we want and need in Jacksonville," Khan said at Meyer's introductory press conference.

Fourteen weeks into the 2021 season, and the culture—or at least the environment—seems to be no better than it was a year ago. The Jags are a two-win team, and Meyer has reportedly clashed with both his players and the coaches he hired—on top of making several questionable decisions.

For all his experience in college, Meyer doesn't seem to "get it" at this level.

It was fair to wonder if Meyer knew what it took to be a pro coach when he signed former Florida player and friend Tim Tebow as a tight end during the offseason—Tebow last played in 2012. Then there was the incident during which Meyer stayed in Ohio following a game against the Cincinnati Bengals instead of flying home with the team.

According to a report from NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Meyer has since:

• Angered wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. so badly that he left the team facility and had to be coaxed back by other staff members.

• Labeled his assistants as losers, "challenging each coach individually to explain when they've ever won and forcing them to defend their resumes."

• Upset his team to the point that "several" players complained to opponents during the Los Angeles Rams game that they aren't treated like adults.

When asked about Pelissero's report, Meyer bristled at the notion that information came from within the organization.

"That's nonsense. ... If there is a source, that source is unemployed," Meyer said, per John Reid of the Florida Times-Union. "I mean, within seconds, if there's some source that's doing that."

Instead of bringing a winning culture to Jacksonville, Meyer has brought an authoritarian mentality that simply doesn't work at the pro level. He's brought turmoil in the locker room (allegedly) and few positive results.

It's hard to imagine that any of this has convinced Lawrence that losing is part of the process, that things are going to get better or that football is going to be fun again. That's a problem.

Football players are professionals, but they're also people. For anyone, in any profession, it's hard to be great at your job when you dread coming to work.

          

On-The-Field Issues

We cannot dismiss the environment Meyer is creating in Jacksonville if it is indeed an unpleasant one—and to be fair to Meyer, these "leaks" could be unfounded. However, it would be easier to digest any internal issues if the Jaguars, and specifically Lawrence, were showing improvements on the field.

The big problem is that Jacksonville—which just lost 20-0 to the Tennessee Titans—looks as out of sorts as they did in Week 1. The Jaguars rank 27th in points allowed and 31st in scoring. Even if Meyer isn't solely responsible, he hired offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and defensive coordinator Joe Cullen.

And there's a good chance that Meyer has little, if anything, to do with the defense:

#Jaguars HC Urban Meyer was asked about Andre Cisco playing more (again). He said “Cisco is playing a little bit more, I believe, I don’t have his numbers in front of me”

Cisco played 0 defensive snaps yesterday.

— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) December 13, 2021

The bigger issue is that Meyer is not supporting Lawrence offensively. The lack of talent is an obvious issue, but Meyer has also actively gone away from one of Jacksonville's best players. Running back James Robinson has been benched on two separate occasions after fumbling against the Falcons and Rams, to the dismay of Lawrence.

"I'm playing the game, and stuff happens on the sideline with coaching decisions," Lawrence said, per ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "I don't really get into that, but I know, and I voiced my opinion: James is one of our best players, and he's got to be in the game."

Meyer hinted that Robinson's lack of playing time was injury-related, but he re-entered the Rams game during garbage time. It's also worth noting that Carlos Hyde fumbled against L.A. and saw more snaps than Robinson.

Meyer said that he himself would be "more involved" in game-day personnel decisions moving forward. A week later against Tennessee, Robinson ran only six times for four yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game.

Personnel decisions aside—and regardless of whether Meyer even plays a role in them—Jacksonville needs to do a better job of giving Lawrence easy completions to build his confidence and timing. The Jags also need to improve his protection.

Lawrence has been hit 43 times and has been under pressure on 22.9 percent of his dropbacks.

While one could argue that Bevell is responsible for the offense and deserves the blame, Meyer is the one overseeing the whole operation.

The operation has not benefited Lawrence, who has thrown a league-high 14 interceptions and holds a passer rating of just 68.9. Improvement? We haven't seen it. Lawrence has had a passer rating above 90.0 in only three games, and he's coming off arguably his worst performance of the season.

Against Tennessee, Lawrence finished 24-of-40 for 221 yards and four interceptions. He's still showing rookie tendencies, like chucking balls up for grabs and bailing on plays before they have time to fully develop.

Out of bunch on right, Jones gets open but Lawrence bails rather than stepping up and never sees him pic.twitter.com/6QeHeOTNv7

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) December 13, 2021

Lawrence should be showing signs of progress, and he isn't. That should be setting off alarm bells in Jacksonville, even if the Jaguars aren't willing to place all of the blame on Meyer.

If Meyer and Bevell cannot adequately develop Lawrence, the Jaguars had better find someone who can get the job done.

            

What are Jacksonville's Options?

If things continue to go south this season and/or players or coaches come forward to firm reports instead of "leaks," the Jaguars and Khan may have no choice but to move on from Meyer. This roster won't improve without an influx of talent, and players won't be eager to join a dicey situation.

Without an upgrade in talent, smart game-planning and a supportive environment, Lawrence won't get better. He won't magically take a sudden leap in Year 2, and if the Jaguars are OK with that, then what are they trying to build?

If they're looking to select another quarterback in three years—like the New York Jets did after drafting and ruining Sam Darnold—then they should stick with the status quo. If not, they need to find a way to save Lawrence from Meyer.

Jacksonville should think long and hard about bringing in an experienced NFL coach like Jim Caldwell or an up-and-coming offensive coach like Eric Bieniemy and pulling the plug on the whole Meyer experiment. However, it seems Khan is willing to be a little more patient with the guy he hired less than a year ago.

According to ESPN, Khan plans to "stay the course" with Meyer—or, at least, that was the case before Sunday.

There is some merit to exercising patience in the NFL. Kliff Kingsbury won just five games in his first season with the Arizona Cardinals with No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. Now in Year 3, Kingsbury and Murray look like a championship-caliber duo.

But if Khan isn't going to make a coaching change, Jacksonville cannot proceed with this version of Meyer and the situations surrounding him. Khan needs to make it clear that Meyer needs to be more of a pro's coach and more of a pro himself. General manager Trent Baalke needs to remove Meyer from roster decisions.

The Jaguars also need to pull the plug on Bevell, who isn't helping Lawrence grow as a passer. They need to examine other OC options and, preferably, leave Meyer out of that process as much as possible.

Perhaps the Jags could look at Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher, who has helped quickly develop Joe Burrow. Perhaps one of Kingsbury's assistants would be willing to come to Jacksonville and help do with Lawrence what the Cardinals have done with Murray.

What Meyer is doing isn't working, and for Lawrence's benefit, the Jaguars cannot allow things to continue as they have.

Then again, Meyer may be so sick of the losing, the criticism and the professional standard asked of him that he walks away on his own.

Mike Vrabel was on Urban Meyer’s coaching staff at Ohio State pic.twitter.com/E5v0xfiQWd

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) December 12, 2021

Meyer certainly doesn't appear to be enjoying his first season in Jacksonville. It's doubtful anyone else is either.

               

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan said he's going to take his time evaluating the performance of head coach Urban Meyer amid the team's 2-11 record and rumors of internal strife.

Khan told reporters Monday night he prefers not to make hasty decisions about coaches:

I want to do the right thing for the team. I want to do the right thing for the city. That, to me, is way more important than just acting helter-skelter on emotion. I think we have a history of really looking at the facts and then really doing the right thing.

Gus Bradley was here four years. Doug Marrone was here four years. It was wins and losses and this is a little bit different but, you know, I'm going to reflect on all of that and do what's the right thing for the team and the right thing for the city.

The latest controversy surrounding Meyer began Saturday when Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported tension within the organization had "boiled over" because of conflicts involving the head coach, his players and members of his coaching staff.

Specifically, Pelissero detailed Meyer's practice argument with wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., when he was questioned by quarterback Trevor Lawrence about the benching of running back James Robinson in Week 13 and a tense staff meeting where he described his fellow coaches as "losers."

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer later reported Meyer denied the interaction with Jones but admitted there was a meeting where he "got after" his assistant coaches:

The Lions were hit hard this week with positive COVID-19 tests, how many players will be out today? Also, what is the latest with Urban Meyer and the Jaguars? @JayGlazer breaks it all down: pic.twitter.com/yDawZcd3mi

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 12, 2021

The Jags proceeded to lose 20-0 to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Afterward, Meyer denied describing his assistants as losers and decried the use of anonymous sources in his postgame press conference:

What's the answer [when things are going badly]? Start leaking information or some nonsense? No. No, that's nonsense. That's garbage. I've been very blessed. I've not really dealt with that. I've not dealt with, 'Well, did you hear what he said?' What? No. Let's improve on offense and get our quarterback in a position to be successful. That's our focus.

What someone's brother said, or someone said someone said, that will occupy very little of my time. And if there is a source, that source is unemployed. I mean, within seconds, if there's some source that's doing that.

The latest controversy comes after a situation following the team's Week 4 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, when Meyer stayed behind in his native Ohio after a loss on Thursday Night Football and videos were posted over that weekend on Twitter showing a woman who wasn't his wife dancing on him in a bar.

Khan, who said Monday he's "not impulsive" by nature, pointed out the coach's prior high-end success at the college level and referenced the lens through which he'll make a decision:

In the past it was like you were, quote, it's like the lowly Jaguars, and everyone left you alone. Now the scrutiny we have is really something different. How much of that is we're bringing it upon ourselves, or how much of that is deserved? Urban, he won wherever he was. This is something he's never dealt with.

And when you win in football you create enemies, OK, and the only way you can really deal with that is you've got to win again.

Based on the comments, it seems unlikely Meyer will be fired before the end of the regular season. The Jaguars have four games remaining, starting Sunday with a winnable home game against the Houston Texans (2-11), but have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Meyer did find plenty of success in the college ranks, going 187-32 with three national championships, but his first year in the NFL has been forgettable.

One former Urban Meyer assistant is coming to the embattled coach's defense.

"I saw the one comment, 'You're all losers'—he'd never talk like that," the ex-assistant told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "It's more, 'What have you done for me lately?' The biggest thing was to challenge coaches. He doesn't blame players. But it's very uncomfortable for coaches. He'll go after you, he'll ask why you're doing drills a certain way, running meetings a certain way, and if you say, 'That's how I've always done it,' he'll tell you that's the worst reason you can give. He'll murder you for that. It's uncomfortable. But I promise you he's not coasting. Most coaches blame players in a situation like he's in. He doesn't."

Meyer entered Week 14 facing a firestorm of criticism after Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the Jacksonville Jaguars coach has alienated players and assistant coaches. Arguably the most damning part of the report included a tidbit about how Meyer said he's "a winner and his assistant coaches are losers" during a staff meeting.

Players, including wide receiver Marvin Jones, have also challenged Meyer's coaching tactics. Meyer forcefully denied the report following an ugly 20-0 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

"What's the answer [when things are going badly]? Start leaking information or some nonsense?" Meyer said. "No. No, that's nonsense. That's garbage. I've been very blessed. I've not really dealt with that. I've not dealt with, 'Well, did you hear what he said?' What? No. Let's improve on offense and get our quarterback in a position to be successful. That's our focus.

"What someone's brother said, or someone said someone said, that will occupy very little of my time. And if there is a source, that source is unemployed. I mean, within seconds, if there's some source that's doing that."

Meyer's first season as an NFL coach has been an unmitigated disaster. The Jaguars are 2-11 following Sunday's loss to the Titans, which featured Trevor Lawrence throwing four interceptions and the team rushing for just eight total yards. The team hasn't scored more than 17 points in seven straight games and has been outscored by 160 points this season.

While few expected the Jaguars to compete for a playoff spot this season, their lack of improvement as the season has progressed has been concerning. Even teams like the Detroit Lions and New York Jets have shown some level of promise with their young rosters and seem to play hard for their respective coaching staffs. The Jaguars looked like a completely defeated team against the Titans, seemingly resigned to playing out the string on the 2021 season.

If Meyer's seat isn't hot already, it's certainly warming. Lawrence was considered one of the greatest can't-miss prospects of his generation. He's been downright bad while playing in a scheme that has done nothing to help him.

Meyer may need to be one-and-done simply to save Lawrence from wasting his promise.

After the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Jags head coach Urban Meyer addressed the rumors of off-field tension within his team.

Meyer called the reports "garbage" and denied any incidents between himself and his players or coaching staff. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer noted that Meyer admitted to being hard on his staff, but that's been his reputation throughout his career.

Also, Urban Meyer denied that there was a confrontation with Marvin Jones, or calling coaches losers, but conceded that he's hard on his staff—which, truth be told, has always been the case regardless of where he's been. https://t.co/TLJmS9TTFM

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 12, 2021

The Jaguars fell to 2-11 with Sunday's 20-0 loss to Tennessee and were officially eliminated from playoff contention. It was Jacksonville's first shutout loss of the season.

On Saturday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported, "Months of tension surrounding [Meyer] has boiled over with multiple run-ins with players and other coaches in recent weeks." Pelissero added that there were "no signs" that Jaguars owner Shad Khan is considering a coaching change either now or at the end of the 2021 season.

Among the incidents in Pelissero's report were a "heated argument" between Meyer and veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones and a tension-filled meeting with his coaching staff in which Meyer "delivered a biting message that he's a winner and his assistant coaches are losers."

Jacksonville rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence also publicly questioned the coach's decision to bench running back James Robinson in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Robinson had just six carries for four yards against the Titans.

Meyer's first season as Jacksonville's head coach has been eventful for the wrong reasons, as this isn't the first time he's been involved in controversy. He landed in some hot water in Week 4 after a video surfaced showing a woman who wasn't his wife dancing on him in a bar.

Khan released a statement calling Meyer's conduct "inexcusable" and said he must "regain our trust and respect."

The Jaguars will be back in action next Sunday against the Houston Texans, who are also 2-11.

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan and his family have "no desire" to sell the team or relocate to another city, Khan told Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union.

"Like with death and taxes, I consider this is going to be part of our family for generations," said Khan. "I can tell you that with absolutely 100 percent certainty. After I've left the planet, both of my kids are very passionate about football and the Jaguars.

"They have no desire [to sell]. Zero."

The Jaguars have been linked to relocation for a while now, and there have been rumors about the team potentially relocating to London. However, the NFL has backed off the idea of putting a team there in general, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported in April:

It sounds like the NFL has inched back a little off its old aggressive approach to putting a team in London full-time, but not for a lack of trying. As [NFL chief strategy and growth officer Chris] Halpin sees it, there are five elements needed to make it happen: a fan base that will sustain it and sell out games, a stadium, local government support, working football logistics and, most importantly, an owner who wants to move.

The Jaguars had been mentioned in relocation speculation in part because they hadn't had a winning season since 2017, their only winning season in the last decade.

Jacksonville is also 2-10 this season and has little chance to make the playoffs after finishing 1-15 in 2020. In addition, there is tension between Jags head coach Urban Meyer, the players and other coaches, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, which means the franchise could be looking for another head coach very soon.

With things seemingly spiraling in Jacksonville, it's not surprising that the franchise has at least been talked about as a potential candidate for relocation. The Chargers relocated to L.A. in recent seasons, and the Raiders relocated to Las Vegas in 2020.

However, it's also not surprising that Khan is interested in keeping the team in Florida.

After landing former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, the Jaguars saw a bump in season-ticket sales. So while the team is struggling now, fans certainly believe Lawrence will be the one to put the team back on track.

Questions about Urban Meyer's future have reportedly reemerged amid growing tensions between the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, the team's players and members of his coaching staff.

Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported Saturday there have been "multiple run-ins with players and other coaches in recent weeks," but so far there are "no signs" Jags owner Shad Khan is considering a change either now or following the 2021 season.

ESPN reported Meyer would remain in the Jaguars' plans despite the report.

Meyer, who was hired in January, previously landed on the hot seat following a Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.

Rather than fly back to Jacksonville with the team, he remained in his home state of Ohio to visit family during the Jaguars' extra few days off. A video was then posted on social media that showed a woman who wasn't his wife dancing on him in a bar.

Meyer later explained he held a team meeting after his return, which included him "owning a stupid mistake."

"The fact that I became a distraction, I've got to earn their trust back from that," Meyer told reporters Oct. 6.

Khan released a statement at the time saying he'd "addressed this matter" with the team's head coach while rumors about his future swirled around the organization.

"What I will say is his conduct last weekend was inexcusable," Khan said. "I appreciate Urban's remorse, which I believe is sincere. Now, he must regain our trust and respect. That will require a personal commitment from Urban to everyone who supports, represents or plays for our team. I am confident he will deliver."

Although the situation faded from the headlines, internal strife has continued behind the scenes.

Members of the organization have grown wary of Meyer's tendency to shift "blame to players and coaches," which has "exacerbated frustration" during a campaign when it's posted a 2-10 record, per Pelissero.

The NFL.com report listed several tension-filled interactions in recent weeks, including a heated argument between Meyer and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. at practice and quarterback Trevor Lawrence questioning the coach's decision to bench running back James Robinson during last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

In addition, Pelissero provided a tidbit about a recent meeting between the coaches:

During a staff meeting, Meyer delivered a biting message that he's a winner and his assistant coaches are losers, according to several people informed of the contents of the meeting, challenging each coach individually to explain when they've ever won and forcing them to defend their resumes.

As the issues continue to mount, the question shifts to whether Khan will consider changing his stance on Meyer in the coming weeks.

The Jaguars, who will soon be eliminated from playoff contention, have five games left in the regular season, starting Sunday when they visit Nissan Stadium to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence does not agree with the recent lack of playing time for running back James Robinson, and he said he let his feelings be known to his coaches.

"In my eyes, obviously, I'm the one that's out, see all the pieces moving, I see the whole picture," Lawrence told reporters Wednesday. "Bottom line is James is one of our best players and he's got to be on the field and we addressed it, and I feel like we're in a good spot and the whole team, we're good."

Robinson was off the field for 16 and 20 consecutive plays in the past two games for Jacksonville, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. Lawrence said he doesn't know went into those decisions, but he felt the need to let it be known that Robinson's absence wasn't benefitting the team.

"Whatever may have happened, I honestly don't even know everything that went into it," Lawrence said. "I'm playing the game and stuff happens on the sideline with coaching decisions. I don't really get into that, but I know and I voiced my opinion: James is one of our best players and he's got to be in the game.

"I think we're all on the same page, so there's no confusion there. We're going to move forward. I know James is a hell of a player, so I want him out there."

Robinson's benching against the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams were preceded by fumbles in both games. But backup running back Carlos Hyde also fumbled against the Rams and was on the field for the next offensive series.

Robinson has vastly outperformed Hyde this season, rushing for 678 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry compared to Hyde's 251 yards, one score and 3.5 yards per carry.

Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer said the decisions on Robinson's playing time were made by running backs coach Bernie Parmalee. Meyer said he didn't disagree with the benchings.

"You bench yourself," Meyer said. "If you lay the ball on the ground and you come out for a few plays, and then it's up to the position coach and whatever to put you back in whenever that's time. And that's not [just] James. That's whomever. When the ball goes on the ground, you come [out]."

Jacksonville (2-10) will be looking to end a four-game losing streak in a road game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Urban Meyer is making it clear in no uncertain terms: He will not be heading to Notre Dame.

"I'm not a candidate," Meyer told reporters Tuesday.

Meyer's name was a natural possibility after Brian Kelly departed for LSU late Monday night. The Jacksonville Jaguars coach has repeatedly called Notre Dame his "dream job" in the past.

Meyer's first NFL season has been anything but a success, with the Jaguars entering Week 14 at 2-9. The Jaguars are one loss away from eclipsing Meyer's total from his seven-year run at Ohio State.

An offensive guru at the collegiate level, Meyer has failed time and again to get any consistency from the Jaguars. Jacksonville has scored 20 points in a game only three times all season, and the young roster has not shown any marked improvement as the season has progressed.

Rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, billed as one of the great prospects of his generation, has been a considerable disappointment. He's thrown for 2,369 yards and nine touchdowns against 10 interceptions in his first 11 career starts. The Clemson product has not thrown for multiple touchdowns in a game since Week 1. 

Meyer also made headlines for his off-field exploits in September when he stayed in Ohio, where he was born, rather than traveling with the team after a Week 4 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was roundly criticized, including by owner Shad Khan, after video of him interacting with a young woman at a bar surfaced on social media. Meyer apologized profusely after the incident. 

While there was speculation Meyer would be fired or resign at the time, he's stayed on in Jacksonville without finding much success. Meyer was 187-32 in stops at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and Ohio State as a college head coach. 

Urban Meyer is committed to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Michael DiRocco of ESPN reported the Jaguars head coach "has no interest" in leaving professional football to return to the college game. Meyer is a former Notre Dame assistant coach whose name naturally came up amid Brian Kelly's departure for LSU. Meyer has described being Notre Dame's coach as his "dream job" on a number of occasions.

One of the most successful college coaches in history, Meyer has not been an immediate hit in the NFL. The Jaguars are 2-9 with an offense that ranks among the NFL's worst in nearly every category.

Most disconcertingly, Meyer has not gotten quarterback Trevor Lawrence prepared for the uptick in speed at the pro level. Lawrence, considered by most as a can't-miss prospect, has thrown for 2,369 yards and nine touchdowns against 10 interceptions in his first 11 career starts. The Jaguars have topped 20 points only three times all season.

Meyer's leadership qualities were also questioned after he chose to stay in Ohio rather than take the team plane back to Jacksonville after a Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Several social media posts showed the coach at an Ohio bar, leading to his issuing multiple apologies to the team, and owner Shad Khan publicly reprimanding him.

It's been speculated on multiple occasions that Meyer would abandon his NFL experiment and return to the college game, where a number of high-profile vacancies have opened up. Meyer is 187-32 in stops at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and Ohio State as a college head coach.