Much of Urban Meyer’s coaching staff remains under contract (for now), but the team has already made one major change to the makeup of the staff. According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Field Yates, the Jaguars have parted ways with first-year defensive coordinator Joe Cullen.
Meyer’s decision to hire Cullen was a bit confusing at the time. Previously the defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, Cullen had no defensive play-calling experience when he took the job, and for a first-time NFL head coach in Meyer, it was hard to see the logic of that decision.
But with that being said, Cullen seemed to be doing a pretty good job. He inherited one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and though it was rough to start the 2021 season, it improved markedly throughout the year. Even forced to start second-round rookie Tyson Campbell at corner after trading C.J. Henderson, the unit continued to improve.
