Skip to main content
Advertising

Jaguars tab former Browns assistant as new defensive coordinator

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jaguars agreed to terms Saturday with five new assistant coaches, including two coordinators.

Head coach Jack Del Rio hired former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker to replace Gregg Williams, who left after one season in what his agent called an "amicable divorce."

Russ Purnell was hired as special teams coordinator.

Tucker spent the last four years with the Browns, serving three seasons as defensive backs coach and one as defensive coordinator. He also has eight years of college experience, including four at Ohio State.

Purnell previously served as special teams coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts under coach Tony Dungy. Purnell replaces Joe DeCamillis, who left Jacksonville for the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month. Purnell also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.

The Jaguars also added quality-control coach Johnny Cox, defensive line assistant Charlie Jackson and strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson.

Del Rio fired longtime strength and conditioning coach Mark Asanovich late in the season and parted ways with secondary coach Donnie Henderson after one season.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.