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The Jacksonville Jaguars fired special teams coaches Bill Bates and Paul McCord and receivers coach Larry Kirksey on Monday.
Head coach Jack Del Rio declined comment on the reasons for the firings.
Coach Jack Del
Rio said he would name replacements later.
The Jaguars struggled on special teams throughout their 5-11 season. Rookie
kicker Seth Marler went 20-for-33 on field goals, for 60 percent, the worst
percentage in the league.
Jacksonville's kickoff units were below average. The kickoff return team had the sixth-worst starting average in the AFC and the kickoff coverage team was third-worst. Tickets
Meanwhile, Jacksonville's passing game ranked eighth in the conference and the Jaguars failed to develop Matt Hatchette into the comeback player they thought he could be. A starter on opening day, Hatchette wound up inactive for nine games. J.J. Stokes, an offseason signing who was supposed to be a starter, barely played and was cut in midseason.
Troy Edwards (13 games, 35 catches) and Kevin Johnson (six games, 15 catches) were picked up in the middle of the season and had some success trying to complement Jimmy Smith.