Jaguars clean house with defensive coach firings
Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom;The Jacksonville Jaguars logo at midfield during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars are making some big changes after missing the playoffs this season.
The Jags went 9-8 this season, a year after going 9-8 and winning the division. This time around, that record wasn’t good enough to qualify for the postseason.
On Monday, the team fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, along with most of Caldwell’s defensive staff.
News in Jacksonville: Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell is being let go after two years on Doug Pederson’s staff. Defensive overhaul coming there.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 8, 2024
Greg Auman, who reported the news about Caldwell’s firing, says Caldwell may return to Tampa Bay to coach under Todd Bowles.
Even if Bucs don’t have an opening on their defensive staff, you could see Mike Caldwell return to Tampa. He and Todd Bowles coached together with Bucs, Jets, Cardinals and Eagles.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 9, 2024
Caldwell had served as the Jags’ defensive coordinator for two seasons. Prior to that, he coached linebackers for the Bucs, Jets, Cardinals and Eagles.
Jacksonville’s defense ranked 17th in points allowed this season and 22nd in yards. The season before, they ranked 12th and 24th in the same categories.
A point of frustration on the defense was the tackling and missed assignments.
Jaguars defense struggled with tackling & missed assignments — something Doug Pederson noted several times — in 2nd half of season collapse losing 5 of last 6 to miss playoffs.
Pederson decides to fire Mike Caldwell & his staff. JAX was 26th in pass D despite notable talent.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 9, 2024
