Reports: Jaguars fire DC Mike Caldwell, defensive staff

Field Level Media|published: Mon 8th January, 19:33 2024

Oct 5, 2023; Ware, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell at press conference at the Hanbury Manor Marriott. credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars dismissed defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell on Monday, Fox Sports and NFL Network reported.

Caldwell's defensive staff was shown the door as well, according to NFL Network.

The Jaguars finished the season 22nd in the NFL in total defense (342.8 yards per game allowed) and 17th in scoring defense (21.8 ppg).

After a promising start, the Jaguars went 1-5 over the final six weeks to finish 9-8, lose their grip on the AFC South and miss the playoffs.

Caldwell's two seasons in Jacksonville marked his first defensive coordinator job. Before that, he was on the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive staff from 2008-12, rising to linebackers coach in 2011. He coached inside linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals (2013-14), New York Jets (2015-18) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-21), also serving as assistant head coach for the Jets under then-head coach Todd Bowles.

—Field Level Media