Jacksonville Jaguars: Ranking the 5 Possible Replacements for Head Coach

An article in the Wednesday edition of the Florida Times-Union by Vito Stellino, soon-to-be-former Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver stated the team is "doing background research on head coaching candidates."

The article goes on to explain that the team will not rule out the possibility of interviewing potential candidates before the 2011 season ends.

The Jaguars are 4-10 this season so far and 1-2 under interim coach Mel Tucker.

While there have been candidates rumored as potential hires for this team, no one seems to be tipping their hand as to what the team will be looking for when the team hires its fourth head coach in the team's existence.

While prominent and fairly new names continue to be thrown out on many football websites such as NFLProTalk and ProFootballTalk, there are a few candidates who should be taken seriously to start the 2012 season from the sideline of EverBank Field.

5. Jeff Fisher

The former Titans head coach would be a great selection. But would he keep Mel Tucker on his staff to run a stout defense, or would he rid himself of the entire lot and start from scratch?

I think Fisher winds up somewhere else like Kansas City where a strong running game and a better passing game await him if he decides to move to the Midwest.

4. Mel Tucker

The current interim coach and defensive coordinator.

Maybe he is in over his head. Maybe there is not enough talent on defense to stop teams from scoring due to injury.

Maybe he is not experienced enough and needs some more seasoning.

Tucker works well with the current roster, but needs more weapons to be better.

I don't think this is the team he stays with and is auditioning for a job somewhere else.

3. Jay Gruden

The Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator has worked to make Andy Dalton a great rookie passer.

The knock against Gruden is his inexperience on the NFL level, but that youth may be served well in a town with a young quarterback in Blaine Gabbert.

If Gruden gets the job, would he call on his brother Jon Gruden for advice and knowledge?

2. Pete Carmichael

He has designed such a wonderful passing attack in New Orleans, why wouldn't he be considered a candidate in Jacksonville?

You don't hear much about him, but his scheme is the reason the Saints are consistently one of the best passing teams and scoring offenses.

Having Drew Brees as your quarterback helps.

One wonders if Carmichael could make Gabbert into a Brees-like passer.

1. Mike Mularkey

Atlanta's offensive coordinator.

He was a candidate before and looks to be a candidate again.

If Mularkey is named head coach, will he work magic with quarterback Blaine Gabbert as he has with Matt Ryan?

Will Harry Douglas come with him through free agency and become the outside threat this team needs at receiver?