Urban Meyer earned the distinction as the worst NFL coaching hire since 2021, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. The ranking reflects Meyer’s disastrous tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Meyer lasted less than one season with Jacksonville. He compiled a 2-11 record before getting fired in December of his first year.
“None of the coaches on this list were accused of physically assaulting their players, which puts Meyer in a world of his own,” Barnwell wrote.
He added that Meyer appeared “completely disconnected from reality,” citing reports that he was unfamiliar with stars such as Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and held offensive goals that were wildly unrealistic at the NFL level.
The failed experiment included several troubling incidents. Meyer feuded publicly with players and assistants. He abandoned the team plane after a loss.
Meyer also made the questionable decision to sign former college quarterback Tim Tebow as a tight end. The move raised eyebrows across the league.
His rocky tenure coincided with a difficult rookie season for No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence. The young quarterback struggled under Meyer’s system.
College Success Didn’t Translate
The NFL failure stood in stark contrast to Meyer’s college resume. He was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame after going 187-32 during his coaching career.
Meyer won three national championships split between Florida and Ohio State.
He joins fellow college icon Nick Saban as proof that Saturday dominance doesn’t always translate to Sundays. Both coaches struggled to adapt their methods to the professional level.
Meyer now works as an analyst on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff. He appears far more comfortable in his post-coaching role than he ever was on an NFL sideline.
The transition from college to professional football continues to challenge even the most successful coaches. Meyer’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the differences between the two levels.
