Jags Coach Gets 4-Year Deal
Tom Coughlin has proven himself a solid franchise builder and coach in four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Team owner Wayne Weaver recognized that Wednesday by awarding Coughlin a four-year contract extension.
Along with the year remaining on Coughlin's original contract, it means he will be with the Jaguars as their coach -- given total control of personnel decisions -- through 2003.
The Jaguars did not release the terms, but sources familiar with the deal told The Associated Press it was worth about $2.4 million per year. That would put Coughlin in the same range as Mike Shanahan of Denver and George Seifert of Carolina, but would fall short of Mike Holmgren's new $4 million-per-year contract with the Seahawks.
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"Tom Coughlin has done an outstanding job of building the Jaguars into a strong contender in the NFL," Weaver said. "The Jaguars have been very fortunate to have a leader of his skill and character. Tom and I are excited about the opportunity to continue to work together toward the ultimate goal, a Super Bowl championship."
The Jaguars came up three victories short this year, exiting the playoffs with a second-round loss to the New York Jets.
Still, they became the first expansion team to make the playoffs in three of their first four seasons. They're also one of only six teams to make the playoffs the last three seasons. Coughlin's record in four seasons is 38-32.
That's a marked difference from Jacksonville's expansion brethren, the Carolina Panthers. They won the NFC West in their second season, but followed with 7- and 4-win seasons, which resulted in the firing of Dom Capers and the hiring of Seifert.
"I am grateful to Wayne for his continued commitment," Coughlin said. "Following our first season on paper and four on the field, we are entering a new cycle with our fotball team. This is a time for vision; to evaluate, re-tool and refocus ourselves to where we are and where we are headed."
Coughlin has one -- maybe two- - big tasks to undertake in the off-season. First will be to rebuild a defense that has been ranked 23rd and 25th in the NFL in the offs-eason.
The Jaguars have no fewer than seven free agents on defense and Coughlin is expected to let the majority of them leave.
"We need some more players, let's face it," he said Monday, discussing the defensive effort in the 34-24 loss to the Jets.
He may also need to rebuild his coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer has already interviewed for the vacancy with the Baltimore Ravens and is expected to talk to the Cleveland Browns soon. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron is a candidate for the opening in Chicago.
Should Palmer leave, former Chargers coordinator Mike Sheppard -- a finalist when Palmer got the job -- could be considered. Fired Bears coach Dave Wannstedt is considered a possible replacement for Jauron.
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