Jags: Mariucci, Ferentz out, Del Rio a prime candidate

Mariucci, Ferentz out, Del Rio a prime candidate|
|By EDDIE PELLS|
|AP Sports Writer|
For a moment Wednesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars thought they had their ultimate coaching candidate, Steve Mariucci.
Just as quickly, they lost him — along with another prospect, Kirk Ferentz of Iowa.
That left owner Wayne Weaver with Panthers defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as the only guys left on the known list of candidates.
A team spokesman said Weaver had not offered the job to anyone Wednesday, but could do so Thursday.
‘‘He’s got a very well-defined list,’’ team spokesman Dan Edwards said.
Within minutes of being fired by the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday, Mariucci’s prospective candidacy for the Jaguars’ job died.
‘‘I was as shocked as anyone else,’’ Weaver said of hearing Mariucci had been fired.
Weaver made a phone call and Mariucci’s agent, Gary O’Hagan, ‘‘told us that Steve’s interest right now is taking some time off and doing some broadcasting.’’
Meanwhile, Ferentz’s weeklong courtship with the Jaguars came to an end when he decided he would stick with the Hawkeyes.
‘‘The attention I have received has been flattering, especially because I have the utmost regard for Wayne Weaver and the entire Jacksonville organization,’’ Ferentz said. ‘‘However, my heart is with the Hawkeyes.’’
Del Rio, who played in the league for 11 seasons, took the Panthers from 31st to second in the league in overall defense this year. Before that, he was linebackers coach for the Ravens for three years.
He’s the good-looking, fiery, articulate guy Weaver is looking for, as he tries to reconnect with fans who stayed away during the final years of the Tom Coughlin era.
But he has no head-coaching experience. Mariucci does, and that’s why the loss of a chance to even interview him is especially painful.
Weaver had essentially ruled out Mariucci last week because he still had a year left on his contract, and the Jaguars would have had to compensate the 49ers to get him.
But when Mariucci was fired, all thoughts of compensation died away. All that was needed was a phone call.
Then, Weaver made that call to O’Hagan and didn’t hear what he wanted. Mariucci was more interested in sitting out a year and pursuing TV than trying to pull the Jaguars out of their doldrums, and Weaver quickly lost interest when he learned Mariucci wasn’t interested in the Jaguars.
O’Hagan did not immediately return messages left by The Associated Press.

 

They got him - and good for them.

So hear's hoping Fox was the catalyst. Plug in another DC, crank up the Offense, and let's get to some playoffs.

 

who would del rio take from this staff with him? i'm sure someone would like to be an OC or DC.

 

Damn didn't even think about that. If we plan our promoting a position coach to DC we better hurry.

I think that's how we got Del Rio. The Ravens were going to promote Del Rio to DC but Lewis didn't find a job fast enough and we scooped up DR before Lewis landed in Washington. Pretty good deal even if it was for one year.

 

We don't have to let them go. Tell the truth I was very surprised Del Rio left the Ravens, but holding your contract without extension sometimes does force the issue.

 

fox is a nice family guy though -- and he moved around a bit. i can't see him standing in the way of a man making more money for his family.

 

DAMN IT, DAMN IT, DAMN IT!!! We finally get some momentum going in a POSITIVE direction and just like that, it may be gone. I hope Fox was the architect of our D also. Perhaps Mills can step up to the challenge.

 

I thought Mills might get the nod at DC last year, he gets my vote now. Del Rio is all but gone!

 

I'm feelin ya too man, but thats life in pro sports these days. It just aint like it used to be when you could count on players and coaches staying around for years. Seems like every time you turn around somebodys leaving their team. How could you possibly build a dynasty these days with players and coaches leaving as soon as they gain a positive reputation. If he goes then I wish the best for him, but he has been so good for the Panthers. This is not good news for Carolina fans.

 

For those in the know, what did our D resemble more, the Giants or the Ravens? Or would knowing this tell us anything?
If Del Rio goes, this next year will tell us alot about how good Fox really is.