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Meyer says Jaguars tenure was 'worst experience' of professional lifetime

Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer opened up about his brief stint in the NFL.

Meyer detailed what it was like to lose so many games after making his league coaching debut during an interview Monday with Outkick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich."

"It was the worst experience I've had in my professional lifetime," said Meyer, according to The Comeback's Sean Keeley. "What really got me, I almost don't want to say people accept it, I mean, you lose a game, and you just keep … I would seriously have self-talk.

"I went through that whole depression thing too where I'd stare at the ceilings and (think), 'Are we doing everything possible?' Because I really believed we had a roster that was good enough to win games. I just don't think we did a great job."

The Jaguars fired Meyer (2-11) just 13 games into his rookie campaign. The former collegiate bench boss ran into multiple controversies during his time with the franchise, including run-ins with players and staff that caused tensions within the organization.

Additionally, the long-time coach denied an allegation from ex-kicker Josh Lambo that he kicked the player during a practice in August.

"I certainly did not," Meyer said. "To say I didn't tap him with my foot … To kick someone? Come on. I've done this 37 years. Kick a player? The other players came up to me and said, 'We saw the whole thing.' Because I’d mostly forgotten about it."

Looking back at his short spell in pro football, Meyer said, "I tried to train myself to say it happens in the NFL."

The 57-year-old initially signed a five-year deal with Jacksonville. The Jags own the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after concluding their 2021 season with a 3-14 record.

Meyer entered the pro ranks with an impressive college football resume, winning two national titles with Florida and one with Ohio State while also producing successful campaigns at Bowling Green and Utah.

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