Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell Reportedly Fired After Jacksonville Misses 2024 NFL Playoffs

The Jacksonville Jaguars have reportedly fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz.

Caldwell was initially hired by the Jaguars in Feb. 2022 after previously serving as the inside linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His firing comes on the heels of Jacksonville's disappointing 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, eliminating the team from postseason contention. The Titans generated 327 yards of offense against Jacksonville, putting up all 28 points through three quarters of play.

Head coach Doug Pederson has repeatedly cited missed tackles as one of Jacksonville's weaknesses throughout the season, telling the media on Dec. 26 that his team needs to do a better job of bringing down opposing ball-carriers.

"We've got to tackle better and we've got to take care of the football," he said. "Bottom line. If we do those things, those give us a chance to win football games."

The issue was not resolved by the end of the season, as Titans running backs Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears combined to rush for 178 yards on just 22 attempts. That represents an average of just over eight yards per carry.

Pederson brought up the issue again after Sunday's contest, which didn't bode well for Caldwell's future with the team.

"The mistakes, the penalties, the turnovers, the missed tackles … those were all the things that hurt us down the stretch," he told reporters.

The Jaguars allowed 342.8 yards per game in 2023, the 11th-worst mark in the NFL. Their defense struggled especially during the second half of the season as opponents scored at least 30 points in three of the team's final six games.

Pederson will likely attempt to add a replacement who can solve the Jaguars' tackling issues and help prevent another late-season collapse.