Buccaneers DC Mike Smith The Top Candidate For Jaguars’ HC Job?

Sources tell Pro Football Weekly that Buccaneers DC Mike Smith is a top candidate for the Jaguars head-coaching job.

In fact, PFW’s sources mentioned that Smith “believes the job is his,” and has “already begun reaching out to put a staff together.”

The expectation is that the Jaguars will officially part ways with Gus Bradley after this season. PFW has confirmed with multiple sources that there’s nothing Bradley can do to save his job after another terrible season.

Smith has really helped turn around the Buccaneers’ defense this season, which has resulted in Tampa Bay being in contention for a wildcard spot.

If the Jaguars were to bring in Smith, they would have a proven NFL head coach who can work with their young talent and hopefully get their defensive unit turned around.

PFW mentions that there’s a belief in Jacksonville that the right defensive coach could guide the team to the same kind of instant turnaround as Smith’s Falcons team had back in 2008.

It’s worth mentioning that Patriots OC Josh McDaniels has come up as a speculative option for the Jaguars as well, considering that their offense has really struggled this season, particularly QB Blake Bortles. One other intriguing name that’s been tossed out as an option for the Jaguars is Tom Coughlin.

Smith, 57, spent seven years as the Falcons’ head coach and led them to a record of 66 and 46 (58.9 percent) to go along with four playoff appearances and a trip to the NFC Championship game in 2012.

We’ll have more regarding Smith and the Jaguars as the news is available.