Ex-NFL HC Urban Meyer cautions Jaguars owner Shad Khan against hiring Bill Belichick
Former NFL coach Urban Meyer has urged Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan not to recruit Bill Belichick. It's Week 14, which means we have more than an inkling about the top half of the 2025 NFL Draft order.
As things stand, the Jaguars hold the coveted top spot in the draft, owing to their 2-10 record. The Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants are hot on their heels with the same record, while the New England Patriots aren't too far behind, at 3-10.
The Jaguars' season has been a write-off. Nothing has gone to plan, which means coach Doug Pederson is understandably on the hot seat. Most teams with a record like the Jaguars lack a top quarterback to lead the offense. That isn't the case in Jacksonville, though, as they have Trevor Lawrence, who's tied for the second-highest-paid player in the NFL, with an annual salary of $55 million.
One name that has been strongly linked to the franchise is Belichick, who failed to land a job in the 2024 coaching carousel. There have been rumors that he could take over in Jacksonville, as he would be handed more power in Jacksonville than at other franchises.
However, former Jaguars coach Meyer doesn't want to see Belichick take over. In a social media post this week, Meyer cautioned Jaguars owner Shad Khan against going the Belichick route, instead pitching Ben Johnson, perhaps the hottest name in the 2025 coaching carousel:
“Mr Shad, you invested a lot into this franchise. Now it’s time to make the right decision to get a return. The kid you got down there is a gunslinger. Build it around him. Don’t go for the old guard. Go for the young and fresh. Go for Ben (Johnson), not Bill (Belichick).
"Get him a manager like Ray (Agnew) or Ian (Cunningham), and bring in experienced guys like Tony (Boselli) or Fred (Taylor) to offer sound advice and help shape the culture. If you don't take my word for it, listen to our supporters. Heck, even Pete or McAfee, and a secretary with a mullet would agree."
Exploring pool of 2025 NFL coaching candidates
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the name most NFL franchises are seemingly looking at, given the state of the Lions offense. Johnson famously turned down the opportunity to take up the role earlier this year.
Johnson's colleague, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, is another name thrown around as a potential candidate to get interviews. Experienced names like Mike Vrabel and Jon Gruden are also available while Washington Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury has also been linked with some vacancies.