Arbitrator Upholds Jacksonville Jaguars' Dismissal of Urban Meyer, Denying $30 Million Claim

Former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer has lost his arbitration case against the team, upholding the franchise's decision to fire him "with cause" in December 2021. The ruling prevents Meyer from collecting the remaining balance of his contract, which had more than $30 million and four years left on it.

Meyer was dismissed by Jaguars owner Shad Khan just 13 games into his tenure following a 2-11 start and a series of off-the-field controversies. The final incident preceding his termination was a report alleging that Meyer kicked former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo during a practice. Khan fired Meyer the day after the report was published.

Meyer's brief tenure in Jacksonville was marked by multiple public relations issues. In July 2021, the NFL fined the Jaguars $200,000 and Meyer $100,000 for violating non-contact rules during organized team activities. Other incidents included a viral video of Meyer at an Ohio bar and difficulties managing number-one overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence.

Following Meyer's departure, the Jaguars hired Doug Pederson, who led the team to an AFC South division title in his first season. Meyer has since returned to television, rejoining Fox's "Big Noon Saturday" college football pregame show, a position he held prior to his NFL coaching stint.