Jaguars deny report Marrone will be fired: '100 percent incorrect'
The Jacksonville Jaguars are denying a report by Dianna Russini of ESPN that head coach Doug Marrone was told he'll be fired after the final game of the regular season.
"Reports that Doug Marrone will be dismissed after Sunday's game (against the Indianapolis Colts) are 100 percent incorrect," a team spokesperson said, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. "Owner Shad Khan will meet with his football staff, which includes coaching and personnel, midweek next week."
Marrone's fate will be the second major personnel decision for the 5-10 Jaguars after they fired executive vice president of football Tom Coughlin last week.
Marrone was widely expected to join Coughlin in departing the franchise after a disappointing third season in charge. But a recent report suggested there's a "good chance" he could be retained for 2020 along with general manager David Caldwell.
The head coach had dinner with Shad Khan and senior vice president Tony Khan on Thursday night, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who added no decision on Marrone's future has been made.
At a press conference Tuesday, Marrone apologized to the Jaguars' fan base after a second straight season outside the playoffs at the bottom of the AFC South.
"I'm truly sorry that I let so many people down, that I couldn't do a better job," Marrone said.
Marrone went 10-6 in his first season in Jacksonville, leading the team to the AFC Championship Game, where it lost to the New England Patriots.
But the 55-year-old has been unable to replicate that success over the last two seasons.
Despite replacing Blake Bortles with former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles this past offseason, the Jaguars' offensive issues have remained. Foles was hurt in the season opener and was later benched after struggling in his return from injury.
Moreover, Jacksonville's once-dominant defense has floundered following the trade of All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who forced the team's hand after his relationship with the front office became untenable.
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