Chris Doyle has resigned from the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff just a day after his controversial hiring was announced. according to ESPN’s Adam SchefterDoyle was hired by new head coach Urban Meyer to serve as the Jaguars’ director of sports performance, and it was a decision that met serious backlash. Because of that backlash, Doyle decided that continuing the new performance was not in the interests of the Jaguars.
Friday night, Coach Meyer brought one pronunciation claim that Doyle had come to him to file his resignation, and that Jacksonville had accepted.
Chris Doyle came to us tonight to tender his resignation and we accepted. Chris didn’t want to be a distraction from what we are building in Jacksonville. We are responsible for all aspects of our program and in hindsight should have given more attention to the consequences of his appointment for all involved. We wish him the best in his career. “
The former head strength and conditioning coach in Iowa was given administrative leave after multiple African-American players claimed he had treated them negatively and unfairly because of their race. Doyle left his position at Iowa last June.
Earlier on Friday, Rod Graves director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance has issued a statement that called Boyle’s hiring “unacceptable,” and Meyer’s defense of the hiring exemplified the problems facing minority coaches in the NFL.
“At a time when the NFL has not resolved its problem with racial hiring practices, it is simply unacceptable to welcome Chris Doyle to the ranks of NFL coaches. Black players. His behavior should be as disqualifying for the NFL as it is for the NFL. University of Iowa. Urban Meyer’s statement, “I’ve known Chris for nearly 20 years,” reflects the good old boy network that is exactly why. Is such a difference in employment for black coaches. “
The Fritz Pollard Alliance exists to promote diversity in the NFL through education and the provision of resources that will help them succeed at every level of the game, according to their official website. They weren’t the only organization to criticize Meyer’s hiring as Doyle’s place in the NFL was discussed by several major sports retailers following the announcement of his hiring.
As the Fritz Pollard Alliance notes, Meyer defended Doyle’s recruitment on Thursday when he discussed his staff with reporters. He released this statement about the decision through NFL.com:
“I’ve known Chris for nearly 20 years. Our relationship dates back to when I was in Utah, and he was the # 1 strength trainer. He was athletic before athletic performance became a high priority in college sports. I knew him. . I’ve studied him. We’ve had a relationship. I vetted him thoroughly, along with our CEO [Trent Baalke] and owner [Shad Khan]Feel good about the recruitment, about his expertise in that position. So we vetted him thoroughly. Sports performance is a high priority. As it became, if not most importantly, over the last probably 10 years, especially in the state of Ohio – you know my relationship with Coach [Mickey] Marotti in the state of Ohio – but this entirety of strength training room, physical therapy, sports psychology, and nutrition all falls under the umbrella of the sports performance team. And I wanted to get the best of the best. “
The Doyle era in Jacksonville has come and gone quickly, which is probably best when it comes to an organization with a brand new staff tasked with not only rebuilding the football program, but its reputation as well.