Jaguars fire Coughlin days after NFLPA complaint
The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired Tom Coughlin as executive vice president of football operations, parting ways with the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach a little more than a day after the NFL Players Union took a sledgehammer to his reputation.
Owner Shad Khan made the announcement Wednesday, saying he decided earlier this season that Coughlin would be gone at the end of the season. Khan said he reconsidered the timing in “recent days.”
The 73-year-old architect who built the team from the ground up the first time, then revived it upon his return in 2017 after leading the New York Giants to two titles, was on the firing line because of a sagging record, questionable roster moves and, most recently, an arbitrator’s decision to undo millions in fines imposed by Coughlin himself.
The NFL Players Association said this week that than 25% of player grievances filed in the last two years have been against the Jaguars. The takeaway from the union: “You as players may want to consider this when you have a chance to select your next club.”
Khan responded by firing Coughlin.
“I thank Tom for his efforts, not only over the past three years but for all he did from our very first season, 25 years ago, to put the Jacksonville Jaguars on the map,” Khan said.
Khan added that general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone will report directly to him on an interim basis.
“My expectations, and those of our fans, for our final two games and the 2020 season are high,” Khan said.
BROWNS’ BECKHAM SAYS HE’S NOT LEAVING >> Odell Beckham Jr. dramatically ended the drama.
He’s not leaving the Browns. Tired about speculation over his future, the flashy wide receiver emphatically said Wednesday he’s not looking to get out of Cleveland after just one frustrating season.
After reports over the past several weeks saying he was unhappy and had been telling other teams to “come get me” during games, Beckham stopped the conjecture by insisting that he’s committed to helping the Browns win.
“It’s done. It’s over with,” Beckham said to reporters. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here. We’re going to figure this thing out. It’s just too special to leave.”
GIANTS QB JONES APPEARS READY TO RETURN >> Daniel Jones seemingly is returning as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback after missing two games with a sprained right ankle.
Jones took most of the first-team snaps at practice Wednesday, a major indication the rookie will start Sunday in the penultimate game of the season against Washington (3-11).
Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning started the last two games for the Giants (3-11). He led New York to a 36-20 win over the Miami Dolphins last weekend, snapping a franchise record-tying nine-game losing streak.
“He’s doing better than he did a week ago,” Giants coach Pat Shurmur said of Jones.
CHIEFS ADD SUGGS TO DEFENSE >> Terrell Suggs was brutally honest with Chiefs coach Andy Reid when they spoke on the phone for the first time, shortly after Kansas City was awarded the veteran pass rusher off waivers ahead of a handful of other playoff contenders.
“I asked coach, I was like, ‘I just learned the hard way, a player like me don’t just fit in anywhere,’” Suggs said. “Coach Reid got on and said, ‘Trust me. You’ll fit in here.’ ”
COWBOYS QB PRESCOTT EXPECTED
Dallas
TO PLAY >> quarterback Dak Prescott has a shoulder injury that is limiting him in practice but shouldn’t keep him out Sunday when the Cowboys try to qualify for the playoffs at Philadelphia.
The Cowboys and Eagles are tied for the NFC East lead at 7-7, and Dallas advances to the postseason with a victory.
FOURTH AND INCHES >> The Detroit Lions signed free agent defensive tackle Jamie Meder.
The Lions announced the move Wednesday. The 28-year-old Meder has not played in a regular-season game since the 2017 season.
• Former Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins asserted that he was in fact sorry about his use of an offensive term in an exchange with a fan on social media.
Jenkins also made it clear he was not upset about his exile from New York, particularly after it landed him with New Orleans.
Giants coach Pat Shurmer said last week that Jenkins’ “refusal to acknowledge the inappropriate and offensive language” influenced the the club’s decision to waive the cornerback.
• The Panthers are preparing rookie quarterback Will Grier to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Interim coach Perry Fewell said Grier is taking reps with the first team at practice this week, but stopped short of naming him the starting quarterback.
• Philip Rivers will make his 112th home start on Sunday for the Los Angeles Chargers. Whether it will be his final remains to be seen.
Rivers’ future with the franchise has generated more conversation after the Chargers (5-9) were eliminated from the postseason. The 38-year old quarterback is in the final year of his contract with both sides saying they will wait until the end of the season before discussing an extension.