History of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Lore & Background

Attempts to bring professional football to Jacksonville date to 1925, when Hall of Famer Ernie Nevers played his rookie season with a local team that folded due to salary costs. Later, franchises in the World Football League (Jacksonville Sharks and Jacksonville Express), the American Football Association (Jacksonville Firebirds), and the United States Football League (Jacksonville Bulls) played in the city. In 1987, Jacksonville unsuccessfully tried to lure the Houston Oilers from Houston. In 1989, the ownership group Touchdown Jacksonville! formed, led by shoe magnate Wayne Weaver, and included future Florida Governor Jeb Bush and developer Tom Petway. The group bid for an NFL expansion franchise, and Jacksonville was chosen as one of five finalists, despite being considered the least likely candidate due to its small television market and outdated Gator Bowl. After troubled lease negotiations, the group withdrew from bidding in July 1993, but the NFL awarded the franchise to Jacksonville in a surprise 26–2 vote in October 1993. The Gator Bowl was largely demolished and rebuilt after the 1993 Gator Bowl game. The Jaguars were placed in the AFC Central division. Wayne Weaver hired Tom Coughlin as the first head coach in January 1994; Coughlin had never been an NFL head coach or coordinator. The team participated in the 1995 expansion draft, selecting Steve Beuerlein first overall, but Mark Brunell became the starting quarterback. The Jaguars finished their inaugural season 4–12. In 1996, the team went 9–7, won a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, then upset the top-seeded Denver Broncos 30–27 before losing the AFC Championship Game 20–6.

Reader's Guide

The Jacksonville Jaguars' significance lies in their improbable origins and immediate competitiveness. Awarded an NFL franchise despite being considered the least likely expansion candidate, the team validated the league's decision by reaching the AFC Championship Game in only its second season. The Jaguars' early success was built on the foundation laid by head coach Tom Coughlin, who operated without a general manager and held broad authority over personnel decisions. Key players from the inaugural 1995 season—quarterback Mark Brunell, offensive lineman Tony Boselli, running back James Stewart, and wide receiver Jimmy Smith—formed the core of the 1996 playoff team. The Jaguars' 1996 playoff run included two road upsets: a 30–27 win over the Buffalo Bills (ending Jim Kelly's career) and a 30–27 victory over the Denver Broncos, regarded as one of the biggest upsets in NFL playoff history. The team's legacy includes demonstrating that a small-market expansion franchise could compete quickly at the highest level, and the Coughlin era established a culture of discipline and toughness. The franchise also contributed to the NFL's expansion into the southeastern United States, alongside the Carolina Panthers.

Did You Know?

• The Jacksonville Jaguars were awarded the NFL franchise in a 26–2 vote by NFL owners, surprising pundits who favored St. Louis or Baltimore.
• The team's first head coach, Tom Coughlin, had never been an NFL head coach or coordinator before being hired in January 1994.
• In 1996, the Jaguars became the first expansion team to win a playoff game, defeating the Buffalo Bills 30–27.
• The Gator Bowl was essentially demolished and rebuilt after the 1993 Gator Bowl game, with only the west upper concourse and part of the ramping system remaining.