NFL’s Black Knights fire Lewis after another early playoff exit; Diaco at top of shortlist
After a third straight January with an early exit from the AFC Playoffs, one of the NFL’s biggest markets is in win at all costs mode.
After a defeat to the Miami Dolphins in the Divisional Round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs, the London Black Knights, formerly known as the Jacksonville Jaguars, have fired fourth year head coach Marvin Lewis. Owner Shad Khan cited a desire to “bring in some new energy so we can win now” and that three consecutive playoff exits before the Super Bowl is “not enough for me, given the talent we have”.
The Black Knights won the AFC South for a second consecutive season, clinching a first round bye after winning 9 of their last 11 games, including a sweep of their divisional rivals, the 10-6 Tennessee Titans. However, the early playoff exits are not enough for a franchise with a lot of money invested in the profitability of overseas football.
In recent seasons, the Black Knights have made major splashes in free agency in hopes to become competitive immediately, signing wide receiver Dez Bryant and defensive end J.J. Watt from the divisional rival Houston Texans. The Black Knights have been drafting well in addition to the big signings. Second year QB Jerrod Heard finished in the top 10 in MVP voting in 2020 and unheralded tailback Silas Redd finished fifth in the NFL in rushing. It’s clear the talent is there, but the playoffs seem to be too tall a mountain to climb.
As for who replaces Lewis, Khan has his eyes locked in on one giant target: UConn head coach Bob Diaco. Khan made it clear at his press conference that he needs a winner and a spark plug as the Black Knights seek to take the Lombardi Trophy overseas. Diaco seems to be a perfect fit on paper, having shaped a football doormat at UConn into a rising powerhouse with smarts and a one of a kind passion for success.
Since his hire in 2014, UConn has compiled a 71-23 record, won a national title, played in a second, and made a third New Year’s Six appearance in 2016. Diaco has, in recent seasons, had internal power struggles with athletic director Bobby Valentine and was suspended for the opening two games of 2019 after it was found that he violated NCAA rules when recruiting former defensive end Sam Rourke.
Diaco declined comment.
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Author's Note:
So this is the first post from the supplementary Madden franchise that I talked about earlier in the season. We'll have lots more to talk about from the NFL world real soon!