New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey is scheduled to be introduced at a 3 p.m. news conference today at EverBank Field.
Shahid Khan, who completed his purchase of the Jaguars last week, issued a statement early this morning that more information would be available this afternoon.
Mularkey, 50, is the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
“I cannot wait to introduce Mike Mularkey today as the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars,” said Khan’s statement.
“Mike recognizes the challenge and opportunity before all of us, and that’s to make the Jacksonville Jaguars one of the premier franchises in the National Football League, bar none,” he said.
“In simple terms, Mike is aiming high, and that’s why he will be here in Jacksonville with us later today. We’ll see everyone soon. Go Jaguars!”
Khan is the second owner of the 19-year-old franchise and is quickly making changes. On Monday, he promoted Jaguars Assistant General Counsel Sashi Brown to general counsel, replacing Paul Vance, who held the position since the team’s beginning.
Former owner Wayne Weaver announced the firing of former head coach Jack Del Rio on Nov. 29, the same day he announced he was selling the team to Khan.
Daily Record news partner WJXT TV-4 reported that hiring Mularkey is a move the Jaguars “hope will help improve the league’s worst offense.”
WJXT reported that Mularkey’s Falcons managed no points on offense in a wild-card loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. Nonetheless, WJXT Sports Director Sam Kouvaris said Mularkey’s long relationship with Jaguars General Manager Gene Smith made him a front-runner from the beginning of the search.
Mularkey previously was a head coach with the Buffalo Bills, where he went 14-18 before leaving after the 2005 season.
He has been Atlanta’s offensive coordinator since 2008, helping to mentor quarterback Matt Ryan. The Jaguars hope he can do the same with Blaine Gabbert, who struggled in his
first season.
WJXT reported that Khan made it clear he wanted an offensive-minded coach to turn around a franchise that has missed the playoffs 10 times in the last 12 years.
The Jaguars went 5-11 this season.
Meanwhile, Jaguars fans can welcome new owner Shad Khan at the “Ready to Rise” Rally at 6 p.m. Tuesday at EverBank Field. The event is in the south end zone and the Bud Light Party Zone.
Khan will talk about his vision for the Jaguars. People can post questions before the rally at www.facebook.com/jacksonvillejaguars.
Former Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli will serve as master of ceremonies. There also will be several Jaguars players, The Roar cheerleaders, a D-Line performance and $2 draft beers. There’s free parking in lots D or J and fans can enter through gates 1 or 4, which open at 5:30 p.m.
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