Jacksonville Jaguars: Mediocrity Accepted as Jack Del Rio Gets Another Chance

Wayne Weaver, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, announced today that head coach Jack Del Rio will be retained after another disappointing season in 2010.  At one point, the Jaguars were in the driver's seat in the AFC South but choked it away by losing the final three games of the season, including to rival Indianapolis Colts.

Prior to the 2010 season, Weaver promised the Jaguars fans that he would not accept mediocrity, hoping that fans would return to Everbank Stadium after staying away in 2009.  The fans believed him, and what did they get for their blind faith?  Another lackluster season without a trip to the playoffs.

Jacksonville Jaguars fans did their part by attending home games and preventing blackouts unlike the 2009 season.  Every 2010 Jaguar home game was televised due to fan attendance and support.

However, Wayne Weaver did demand a few changes, and coupled with circumstances and finances, some would argue he had no choice but to keep Del Rio.

Let's review everything that went into his decision and determine if it was the best course of action.

James Walker is a National and Syndicated Writer for Bleacher Report.  You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.  He can also be contacted via Google Talk/Buzz and Yahoo Instant Messenger as BRJamesWalker.

No. 1: Jack Del Rio's Contract

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars calls out signals during the game against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

When Del Rio was hired to run the Jaguars, he led the team to a 5-11 record in 2003.  Then in 2004 he improved to 9-7.  In 2005, he led the Jaguars to a 12-4 record, and a playoff victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh. 

That one playoff victory gave Wayne Weaver goosebumps and Jack Del Rio a contract extension and raise. It also led Weaver to give quarterback David Garrard a huge contract, too.  Now, Weaver owes Del Rio $10 million over the next two seasons.

So Weaver is basically stuck with Jack.  If he fires him, then he loses $10 million and must pay a new coach.

Would it be worth it to cut his losses and move on or keep Del Rio at least one more season and hope for the best?  Clearly, Weaver thinks the latter because Del Rio is sticking around.

Will the decision drive fans away from Everbank Stadium a la 2009?  Or will the Jaguar faithful continue to support their team and buy tickets to home games?

It's a gamble that's for sure.

No. 2: The Possibility of Lock-Out for the 2011 Season

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: (R) Commissioner of hte NFL Roger Goodell speaks during the 2010 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Celebration at IAC Building on November 30, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

By now, everyone has heard of the possibility that NFL owners may impose a lockout of the 2011 season due to the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expiring on March 1, 2011.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has downplayed the possibility and speaks positively in it's regard whenever he has the opportunity.  Regardless, it continues to weigh on the minds of owners and players.

Wayne Weaver must have considered the possibility when coming to his decision today about Jack Del Rio.  What's the point of firing his head coach if there may not even be a 2011 season?

No. 3: End Of Season Injuries to David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands off to Maurice Jones-Drew #32 against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

David Garrard injured his finger during the Indianapolis Colts game, and Maurice Jones-Drew suffered a meniscus tear in his knee during the same game.  Garrard played through the injury against the Washington Redskins, but MJD missed the final two games of the season.

Is this a good enough reason for losing the final three games of the season to give Jack Del Rio reprieve?

No. 4: Wayne Weaver Takes Away Del Rio's Control of the Defense

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Jack Del Rio, left, of the Jacksonville Jaguars talks with defensive coordinator Mel Tucker during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 27, 2009 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Get

Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker joined the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 24, 2009.  Previously, he was the defensive coordinator of the mighty Cleveland Browns. Tucker was doing such a good job this season that Del Rio took control of the defensive play-calling early in the 2010 season.

Wayne Weaver reversed that decision today.

Weaver told the media today that he wants Jack Del Rio to have a better overall view of what's going on, so he requested that he relinquish control of the defense.

So Del Rio was the man in charge of one of the worst defenses in the NFL this season.  Great.

No. 5: Weaver Declined Renewing the Coaching Staffs' Contracts

NFL Photos/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - 2009: Dirk Koetter of the Jacksonville Jaguars poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by NFL Photos)

You don't have to be in the British House of Commons to receive a vote of "no confidence."  Wayne Weaver did just that when he told Del Rio that he would not renew any of his coaching staffs' contracts after 2011.

One year is all you have, gentlemen.  Get it done!

No. 6: Weaver Admits to Poor Draft Choices in the Past Especially 2005

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 06: Derrick Harvey #91 of the Jacksonville Jaguars pressures Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texnas during the game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty I

Let's take a look at Jacksonville's stellar first-round draft picks since Del Rio's arrival in 2003:

2003: Byron Leftwich - Del Rio cut him in favor of David Garrard in 2007

2004: Reggie Williams - no longer in the NFL

2005: Matt Jones - no longer in the NFL

2006: Marcedes Lewis - still on the team and going to the 2011 Pro Bowl

2007: Reggie Nelson: traded early in the 2010 season to Cincinnati

2008: Derrick Harvey: officially a bust and on his way out

2009: Eugene Monroe: starter

2010: Tyson Alualu: starter

The last two, Monroe and Alualu, were under current general manager Gene Smith's watch.  All others were at the hands of Jack "Shack" Harris, who was released after the 2008 season.

From 2003-08, the only player to make any contribution whatsoever is Marcedes Lewis.  That's pathetic.

No. 7: Weaver's Most Compelling Statement of Today's Press Conference

NFL Photos/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - 2009: Wayne Weaver of the Jacksonville Jaguars poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by NFL Photos)

When asked what would happen if the Jaguars did not make the playoffs in 2011: "If we're not in the playoffs next season, there won't be many people around here."

Promises, promises, Mr. Weaver.  Didn't you say you wouldn't except mediocrity in 2010?

There are many reasons to keep Del Rio, but Weaver better hope that his fanbase has enough patience to support the team one more year after failing to deliver.  Wayne Weaver wants a return on his investment as a business owner, and fans want to see production for there ROI, too.

Will you support the team one more year with Del Rio at the helm?