Looks like Urban Meyer still has one supporter in the NFL: Saints receiver Michael Thomas.
Urban Meyer’s quick and tumultuous time with the Jaguars ended late Wednesday night when the three-time national championship-winning college coach was fired by franchise owner Shad Khan following a series of missteps, both on and off the field.
Thomas, who played for Meyer at Ohio State between 2012-15, is one of the few who publicly mourned Meyer’s downfall in Jacksonville. Shortly after the news of Meyer’s termination broke, Thomas tweeted: “Urban will bounce back. I understand misery loves company.”
In the past, Thomas has lauded Meyer for his coaching and cited him as one of the reasons he has found so much success in the NFL. Thomas holds the league records for most receptions by a player and most receptions by a player in a single season with 149.
The 28-year-old is among the few who would still throw their support behind Meyer after his dismal record in Jacksonville and his inappropriate behavior during his tenure. The three-time national championship-winning college coach only lasted 13 drama-filled games in the NFL, going 2-11.
Offensively, the Jaguars have struggled all season. The team is coming off five consecutive losses and has only averaged 9.1 points over Meyer’s final seven games. However, Meyer’s legacy will be more defined by his conduct rather than his team’s lackluster performance.
Michael Thomas tweeted his support for Urban Meyer after the former Ohio State coach was fired by the Jaguars. Getty ImagesFormer Jacksonville kicker Josh Lambo accused Meyer of kicking him to the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday, alleging that after he told Meyer to not kick him ever again, Meyer responded “I’m the head ball coach, I’ll kick you whenever the f–k I want.”
Former members of Meyer’s staff also accused him of having numerous altercations with players and assistants, calling them “losers” and blaming assistants for losses. Allegedly many coaches were planning a mass walk out over Meyer’s behavior and had already found other positions for next season with other franchises.
Moreover, in late September, Meyer did not return back to Jacksonville with the team following a loss to the Bengals, claiming that he wanted to visit with family. Instead, he was caught on video behaving inappropriately with a woman at a bar in Columbus.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was named interim coach and will helm the team for its final four games of the season.
