The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired head coach Jack Del Rio, according to multiple reports. The Florida Times-Union reports the interim coach will be defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who was hired in 2009.
Any firing that comes in Week 12 of the season is somewhat of a surprise but Del Rio appeared to be a dead man walking for some time. The Jaguars are 3-8 and rookie QB Blaine Gabbert doesn't appear to be getting better with each start.
The playoffs are obviously a pipe dream and after last season owner Wayne Weaver said, ""If we're not in the playoffs, it's pretty apparent we'll have a different coach." That should tell you the Jags were preparing to make this move.
Tucker becomes the interim coach but the Jags will likely look to fill the role permanently after the season. The idea of bringing in a new coach is somewhat foreign to the Jags considering they've had just two coaches (Tom Coughlin and Del Rio) in the history of the franchise.
Check out SB Nation's Big Cat Country for the latest on the Del Rio firing.