JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Tom Coughlin, the only coach in the history of the Jacksonville Jaguars, ended Monday with the firing he expected.
The firing came one day after the Jaguars concluded a disappointing season with a record of 6-10, good for third place in the AFC South. He had said recently that he did not expect to be retained.
Coughlin, who was in his eighth season, posted a 72-64 record with the Jaguars, leading the club to appearances in the AFC championship game in 1996, team's second year in the league, and in 1999. Overall, he led the Jaguars to four playoff appearances.
In the face of increasing salary cap problems, the Jaguars have struggled since their 14-2 record in 1999, going just 19-29 over the last three seasons, and attendance figures have dwindled. Coughlin had two years left on his contract and had total control over all decisions, including personnel.
Known as strong-minded coach who had run-ins with his players, one of whom was quarterback Mark Brunell, Coughlin came under fire after the Jaguars also finished 6-10 last season. Owner Wayne Weaver reportedly wooed former University of Florida Coach Steve Spurrier, before Coughlin was retained.
Also, when players have left the Jaguars' organization, they have not hid their disdain for Coughlin.
Weaver reportedly will seek a replacement that has previous head coaching experience. Among the candidates are former Minnesota Vikings Coach Dennis Green, LSU Coach Nick Saban, who has experience as an NFL assistant, and Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops.
Coughlin was not expected to have an easy time this season after the Jaguars lost perennial Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tony Boselli and defensive tackle Gary Walker in the expansion draft. The club also was forced to release wide receiver Keenan McCardell for salary cap reasons.
Even with the losses, the Jaguars got off to a good start, winning three of their first four games, but they stumbled badly, losing nine of their last 12 games, including Sunday's 20-13 defeat at Indianapolis.
He joined Dick LeBeau in the unemployment line Monday. LeBeau was canned by Cincinnati.
