On Tuesday, almost 18 years to the day the National Football League announced that Jacksonville had obtained the 30th franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced the team has a new owner and a new interim coach.
Wayne Weaver, the majority owner of the team, announced that his family has sold its interest to Pakistan-born businessman Shahid Kahn, the owner of Flex-N-Gate. Kahn had tried to buy the St. Louis Rams last year.
Noting that Kahn pledged to keep the team in Jacksonville, Weaver pledged the Jaguars would be there many years into the future.
Hes going to buy a home here in Jacksonville, said Weaver. Hes keeping the Jaguar management staff intact. Hes keeping the Jaguar staff intact.
Asked if he had a written commitment from Kahn to keep the team in Jacksonville, Weaver said no, but added he had no doubt that Shahid will do what he says he is going to do. Weaver added that he remains confident the team, which has been the subject of speculation that it will move, will remain on the First Coast.
Weaver spoke to the media on Tuesday, announcing that longtime coach Jack Del Rio had been dismissed and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker was promoted to interim coach for the last five games of the season.
It was unfair to leave Jack twisting in the wind, said Weaver, who admitted that the timing was awkward.
Del Rio was the second coach in team history, taking over from Tom Coughlin, who went on to win a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, in 2003. During Del Rios tenure, the Jaguars won only one playoff game. He finishes with a 68-71 record. The Jaguars have struggled badly in 2011 after cutting starting quarterback David Garrard before the first regular season game and turning to rookie QB Blaine Gabbert. So far, the Jaguars have limped to a 3-8 record and have fallen out of contention in the AFC South. They will host the San Diego Chargers on Monday.
Weaver also announced on Tuesday that Gene Smith, the general manager of the team, has been given a three-year extension.
Despite selling the team, Weaver said he plans to remain in Jacksonville, which he called home, and would be a cheerleader for the Jaguars.
Im optimistic about what the future holds for this franchise, Weaver insisted.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
