Reports: Jaguars to fire GM Gene Smith

First-year head coach Mike Mularkey's future in Jacksonville uncertain

Jaguars general manger Gene Smith

ESPN, the NFL Network and other media outlets are reporting Sunday that the Jaguars will fire General Manager Gene Smith, and are even speculating on who will replace him.

The Jaguars have lost four straight games heading into the season finale Sunday in Nashville and their 13 losses overall is a new franchise record. Given the team's performance, owner Shad Khan appears to have decided to replace Smith.

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NFL Network's Mike Lombardi said Sunday that former owner Wayne Weaver urged Khan to retain Smith, but the new owner wanted to hand-pick his own general manager.

WJXT's Vic Micolucci asked Jaguars fans for their reaction to the decision.

"After this long, no results, you have to do it. I supported him when he started but you have to take a look at the way things are going. I understand it," said fan Tyrone Thornhill.

"He had his chance. I mean, any job, you get a chance to do your job. You do your job well, you stay. You do it lousy, you're gone," said fan Jim Kane.

"Time to change. Top down, change happens. Only can go up from here," said fan Dan Hancock.

The decision leaves the fate of first-year head coach Mike Mularkey uncertain. One of the first decisions of new general manager would likely be whether to stay with Mularkey or make a different choice.

When asked whether Mike Mularkey should stay or go as well, Hancock said he should leave.

"Just clean house," said Hancock.

"Yeah, we need a new coach because they're not doing well. New coach and GM. Yes sir," said fan Bryce Coday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Cardinals director of player personnel Jason Licht and 49ers director of player personnel Tom Gamble are the top candidates to replace Smith.

Smith has been with team since Jacksonville was awarded the franchise in 1994.  He was named general manager in 2009, running all football operations for the team.

Kahn will meet with Smith Monday morning. Mularkey has a regularly scheduled press conference at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.