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‘The Worst Part Wasn’t the Losses’: CBS Sports Names Worst Coaching Hire of the Century

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 7:21 PM ET

Urban Meyer’s brief tenure as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars has been labeled the worst NFL coaching hire of the century by CBS Sports. Despite initial optimism surrounding his hire, Meyer’s disastrous 13-game stint left the franchise reeling both on and off the field.

Meyer’s tenure began with high expectations, given his success at the collegiate level with three national championships. However, his domineering coaching style and a string of off-field controversies quickly undermined his credibility. These issues overshadowed any potential development for rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who led the league with 17 interceptions in 2021.

Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Former football head coach Urban Meyer reacts on the sidelines of Super Bowl LIV between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The on-field struggles were amplified by Meyer’s off-field scandals, including a viral video of him at a bar following a loss and reports of him berating players and coaches. A particularly egregious incident involved Meyer allegedly kicking former kicker Josh Lambo during practice. These controversies created a toxic environment, leading Jaguars owner Shad Khan to fire Meyer before the season’s end.

CBS Sports underscored that the losses were not the worst part of Meyer’s tenure but rather the scandals that sandwiched them. The team’s 2-11 record under Meyer did little to justify the hiring, and the fallout tarnished the franchise’s reputation. Meyer’s appointment and subsequent dismissal stand as a cautionary tale of misjudged leadership at the professional level.

CBS Sports Names Urban Mayer as the Worst NFL Coaching Hire of the Century

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer and quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) walks off the field after Sunday’s loss to the 49ers. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the San Francisco 49ers Friday, November 21, 2021, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars went into the half trailing 20 to 3 and lost with a final score of 30 to 10.Jki 112121 Bsjagsvs49ers 10

Just recently, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ move to get Meyer was named the worst coaching hire ever. This is detailed in an analysis by Cody Benjamin for CBS Sports.

Desperate for rejuvenation, the Jaguars looked past Meyer’s history of fielding troubled talents at Florida and Ohio State, instead focusing on his three national championships. It took but a few months for the trouble to

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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