Jacksonville Jaguars: 7 Good Replacements for Jack Del Rio

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Do you get the feeling there is some uneasiness on the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff lately?

That is because time is running out. The assistant coaches, along with head coach Jack Del Rio, know their time on the First Coast may abruptly end if the team cannot find a way to win within the next two weeks.

A 1-7 record headed to the bye week may force team owner Wayne Weaver's hand to make a change with the head coach, and while the assistant coaches are all on staff armed with one-year contracts, their time with the team may too evaporate.

So what's a team to do?

If in fact, Weaver, who has only hired Del Rio and the team's first head coach, Tom Coughlin, in the 16 years of existence in the NFL, makes a change, the hope is there will be a "bang" when it happens. Someone who could light a spark under the feet of its players and the fanbase so there is a new and exciting atmosphere in North Florida.

While sports pundits in the city have said that the team would likely hire from within the organization, it would only be a stop-gap move. And while the offense is ranked 32nd in the NFL overall, would making offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter the interim head coach a good thing for the team and those who follow their 1-5 Jaguars?

Don't worry, there are others who have been mentioned, like defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and linebackers coach Mark Duffner. But since the team is already in peril, changing names and changing personnel from within may only lead to further implosion.

There are seven coaches outlined here who could make a difference NOW. Or at least they would change the dynamic and atmosphere of the team and the city, which is really needed while this team tries to find a way to win. While sports media in town say the team is close to "turning the corner," fans need to see results.

Forget the small turn; they need a sharp obtuse angle of change.

And by the way, there are still 3,900 tickets left to be sold for Monday Night Football.

7. Eric Mangini

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He currently works for ESPN, but he was head coach with the Jets and Browns.

Eric Mangini would be one of the last people I thought might be interested in this job. ESPN is a pretty good gig, but he is bright, young and brings enthusiasm.

However, I don't think he would be high on the Jaguars wish list either.

6. Bill Cowher

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The dream that every Jaguars fan has involves Bill Cowher as the head coach.

Hell, even local sports radio personalities reported that Cowher had bought property in the Jacksonville area. Those reports were never confirmed after talking with sources close to the Jaguars.

Everyone seems to think "The Chin" could make things better in Florida.

They also thought that in Cleveland and in Carolina, and it never happened.

5. Herm Edwards

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Herm Edwards is an NFL analyst on ESPN and SportsCenter. He gets to stay warm after stints in New York with the Jets and in Kansas City.

Edwards is a no-nonsense defensive type who loves hard work and is a consummate professional in the Tony Dungy mold.

They don't come much better than Edwards in terms of credibility and respect.

4. Brian Billick

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Would he really give up his cushy job at NFL Network to come coach the Jaguars?

Doubtful.

But he has won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and is respected around the league.

He is a man who commands hard work and full effort on both sides of the ball.

3. Steve Mariucci

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Steve Mariucci was a coach in San Francisco and in Detroit and now works with the NFL Network.

Mariucci would be a nice fit.

Only problem is, like Billick, is he willing to drop his nice job for the rigors of building an offense that needs major help?

2. Marty Schottenheimer

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As odd as this one sounds, it makes sense.

Marty Schottenheimer was fired from San Diego after a 14-2 record with the team.

He is nails in terms of knowledge and schemes and would fire this team up.

Yes, his age is a concern, but he is a Don Shula-taught coach. You don't get much more praise than that.

1. Jeff Fisher

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THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN!

Jeff Fisher used to refer to Jacksonville as the Tennessee Titans' home away from home, drawing the ire of former head coach Tom Coughlin.

Fisher is a defensive-minded coach who has been to a Super Bowl and can still motivate a team to get the best out of the talent placed in front of him.