Story perspectives

Arbitrator Upholds Jaguars' Firing of Urban Meyer, Saves $30 Million

5/18/2026

Summary

Meyer Firing Upheld

Independent arbitrator ruled the Jaguars’ Dec 12, 2021 “for cause” firing of Urban Meyer (former Jaguars head coach) was justified, ending his claim to the $9 million-per-year salary.
Jacksonville will keep roughly $30 million that would have been paid under Meyer’s five-year, $6 million-per-year contract.
Meyer finished 2-11 in 13 games and received a $100,000 personal fine.
Former kicker Josh Lambo said Meyer kicked him during an Aug 2021 practice, claim that helped justify the firing.

Summary

Meyer Lawsuit

The Jacksonville Jaguars captured AFC South title in Doug Pederson’s season after replacing Meyer and repeated it the next year under head coach Liam Coen.
Meyer named Chris Doyle (later called Chris Boyle) director of sports performance, a role Doyle quit one day later, saying presence would distract the team.
Former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo’s lawsuit against Meyer over an alleged kicking incident is active, with trial set for Aug. 3, 2026.

Summary

Meyer Arbitration Bias

Critics say NFL contracts require coaches to let the commissioner select the arbitration panel, creating perceived bias.
Jacksonville was fined $300,000 for offseason workout violations that occurred while Meyer served as head coach.
Shad Khan’s spokesperson stated the kicking claim was not the sole reason for Meyer’s dismissal.
The league described Meyer’s termination as reflecting a broader pattern of conduct rather than the Lambo incident alone.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s collective bargaining framework, first overhauled in the 1993 agreement and extended in 2006, gave owners league-wide authority over contracts and discipline. That authority was exercised when the league fined the New England Patriots $500,000 for videotaping in 2006 and later when the Jacksonville Jaguars invoked the same arbitration rules to terminate Urban Meyer’s $9 million-per-year deal in 2021, costing owner Shad Khan $300,000.

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Meyer Firing Upheld

Independent arbitrator ruled the Jaguars’ Dec 12, 2021 “for cause” firing of Urban Meyer (former Jaguars head coach) was justified, ending his claim to the $9 million-per-year salary.
Jacksonville will keep roughly $30 million that would have been paid under Meyer’s five-year, $6 million-per-year contract.
Meyer finished 2-11 in 13 games and received a $100,000 personal fine.
Former kicker Josh Lambo said Meyer kicked him during an Aug 2021 practice, claim that helped justify the firing.

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