Coaching in the NFL is much more difficult than coaching in college. That’s generally understood, but even the best college coaches struggle in their transitions to the next level. Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer answered the NFL’s calling this offseason, and it’s been tough sledding through two weeks.
Meyer’s Jacksonville Jaguars are 0-2 and have been outscored 60-34. They have the sixth-worst defense in the league and the sixth-worst offense in terms of yards averaged per game. Meyer went an astounding 187-32 during his career as a college head coach, and won three national championships. Every week in the NFL is like a championship game — which is exactly what Meyer told Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio this past Sunday.
“Lot of good players in this league, man,” said Meyer. “It’s Alabama every week.”
The Alabama Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, are of course the powerhouse of college football. They haven’t lost more than two games in a single season since 2010, and Meyer never lost more than two games in a season during his seven years at Ohio State. Saban also struggled in his quick trip to the NFL, as he went 15-17 with the Miami Dolphins in 2005-06 before taking the Alabama job.
No one knows if this Urban Meyer experiment will work out, and some wonder if Meyer will eventually return to college football. When USC fired Clay Helton earlier this month, Meyer was tabbed as a potential candidate for the job. He attempted to put rumors to bed last week, saying he’s committed to the Jaguars.
The NFL is a league full of parity, as virtually any team can win on any given Sunday. Meyer is still searching for that first win, and will get a chance this week as Kyler Murray and the undefeated Arizona Cardinals come to town.
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