Jaguars fire coordinator Mike Caldwell, defensive staff after late season collapse
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The fallout from a late-season collapse that cost the Jaguars a playoff spot has cost defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell his job.
Hours after his media availability when he said he needed time to process the season, coach Doug Pederson decided to start anew on that side of the ball by moving on from Caldwell and his entire defensive staff. Joining Caldwell on the way out are defensive line coach Brentson Buckner, quality control coaches Sean Cullina and Tee Mitchell, inside linebackers coach Tony Gilbert, safeties coach Cody Grimm, defensive assistant Bob Sutton and cornerbacks coach Deshea Townsend.
Jacksonville’s defense took a step back this season in its ability to win when it mattered. It was carved up by backup quarterbacks in Cincinnati (Jake Browning), Cleveland (Joe Flacco) and Tennessee (Ryan Tannehill) over the final six games.
The Jaguars ranked No. 24 in the league last year in yards per game allowed (353.2) and 12th in points allowed per game (20.6). They were 17th this year in points per game (21.8) and 22nd in yards allowed (342.8). Jacksonville was woeful against the pass, finishing 26th in yards allowed through the air.
Caldwell was a first-time defensive coordinator when Pederson hired him from Tampa Bay in February 2022. Caldwell was the linebackers coach with the Buccaneers. Pederson and Caldwell were teammates in Philadelphia. Caldwell played 11 seasons in the NFL.
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