Shutdown Corner - NFL

Oh, you poor, poor Jaguars fans. Why does Los Angeles insist on stealing everything you love?

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio, according to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, received a contract offer from USC last night. This morning, Del Rio told WJXT in Jacksonville that all the stuff about USC was "speculation and hype."

Del Rio's got a meeting scheduled today with Jags owner Wayne Weaver, presumably to discuss his future (or lack thereof) as head coach of the Jaguars. Del Rio is still under contract, but the Jags finish to the season had to be considered a disappointment, and it wasn't a slam dunk that Del Rio's job was safe.

I think the most likely scenario here is that Del Rio ends up at USC next year, coaching players who earn slightly less money than the players in Jacksonville. The man's a good coach, but it's not like the Jaguars have been piling up the Lombardi Trophies. Weaver may want to keep him, but I doubt he'll shed any tears if he ends up packing his bags.

The worst case scenario for Weaver is that Del Rio leaves, and he can hire someone younger and slightly cheaper. I think that last part might really appeal to him.

As for Del Rio, he played college ball at USC, the job will pay well, it's a very high-profile gig, and he'll get to see a full stadium now and then. Also, given the choice between living in southern California and northern Florida, not that Jacksonville isn't a fine town, but most people would probably choose L.A.

Either way, I don't think it will take long for the situation to play out. Stay tuned.

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