JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jaguars have hired Urban Meyer as their new head coach, turning to one of the most successful college coaches in NCAA history to help spur a turnaround of one of the NFL's worst franchises.

"This is a great day for Jacksonville and Jaguars fans everywhere," team owner Shad Khan said in a statement. "Urban Meyer is who we want and need a leader, winner, and champion who demands excellence and produces results. While Urban already enjoys a legacy in the game of football that few will ever match, his passion for the opportunity in front of him here in Jacksonville is powerful and unmistakable."

Meyer's hiring comes after regular communication between him and the Jaguars. Sources previously told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Meyer had been assembling a coaching staff, including some assistants from the college ranks, ahead of taking the Jaguars job.

Former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who was at LSU in 2020, is emerging as a prime candidate to become Meyer's offensive coordinator in Jacksonville, a source told ESPN's Todd Archer and Jeremy Fowler.

Meyer will be the sixth head coach in Jaguars history, replacing Doug Marrone, whom Khan fired Jan. 4 after the Jaguars finished their worst season in franchise history (1-15). Marrone had a 25-44 record (including playoffs) in four seasons with the Jaguars.

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