Jacksonville, Fla. — Chris Doyle has walked away from the Jacksonville Jaguars just one day after his controversial hiring was announced.
Doyle’s resignation came just hours after a scathing statement from Fritz Pollard Alliance executive director Rod Graves who blasted the Jaguars and Meyer for hiring Doyle.
“At a time when the NFL has failed to solve its problem with racial hiring practices, it is simply unacceptable to welcome Chris Doyle into the ranks of NFL coaches,” Graves’ statement read.
In a statement released following the news of Doyle’s departure, Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer said, “Chris did not want to be a distraction to what we are building in Jacksonville. We are responsible for all aspects of our program and, in retrospect, should have given greater consideration to how his appointment may have affected all involved. We wish him the best as he moves forward in his career.”
The former head strength and conditioning coach at Iowa was put on administrative leave following multiple Black players accused Doyle of racial misconduct, alleging he had treated them negatively and unfairly because of their race. Doyle left Iowa last June.
Urban Meyer and the Jaguars really misjudged the Chris Doyle hire reaction and that’s an understatement.
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) February 13, 2021
Chris Doyle resigns from Jags......Meyer releases statement..."chris did not want to be a distraction to what we are buiilding in Jax...We are responsible for all aspects of our program and in retrospect..should have given greater consideration to how him apptment affected all..
— Dan Hicken (@DanHicken) February 13, 2021
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