JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Update: 12 p.m., Jan. 9
Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson released the following statement regarding the firing of members of the Jaguars' coaching staff:
Since our season's end, I have made the difficult decision to relieve several members of the coaching staff -on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball - of their duties. I want to thank each of these coaches for their tireless efforts these last two seasons. Ultimately, I felt change was necessary to allow our football team to reach the goals for which we are capable.
Another coach is victim of 'NFL Black Monday' as the Jaguars' former Defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell was fired, the team confirmed Monday.
Caldwell worked for Head Coach Doug Pederson for two years.
This was confirmed the day after they lost to the Tennessee Titans. A Jaguars win would've guaranteed them in the playoffs as well as clinch the division title.
Caldwell led a powerhouse defensive unit that ranked among the best in the NFL with players like Josh Allen, Travon Walker and Foyesade Oluokun.
In addition to Mike Caldwell, the following were relieved of their duties:
- Defensive Line Coach Brentson Buckner
- Defensive Quality Control Coach Sean Cullina
- Inside Linebackers Coach - Tony Gilbert
- Safeties Coach - Cody Grimm
- Defensive Quality Control Coach - Tee Mitchell
- Senior Defensive Assistant - Bob Sutton
- Passing Game Coordinator/Cornerbacks Coach - Deshea Townsend
- Running Backs Coach - Bernie Parmalee
In addition, the Assistant Offensive Line Coach, Todd Washington will not return following his contract expiring.
The Jaguars lost five of their last six, going from 8-3 to finishing their season at 9-8 a year after winning the AFC South title. This comes after the defense allowed 28 or more points in four of theor last five defeats, including Sunday's season-ending 28-20 loss to the Titans. Jacksonville's defense, in addition to struggling down the stretch, finished 17th overall in points allowed and 22nd in total defense. In particular, the Jags struggled mightily against the pass, finishing 26th in yards allowed and 25th in scoring.