JACKSONVILLE – Doug Marrone's philosophy is simple:
He doesn't worry about what he can't control. So, in the wake of Sunday's dismissal of General Manager David Caldwell, the Jaguars' head coach on Monday afternoon said he doesn't worry about his own long-term job security.
His only concern – and the team's on-field focus – remains the same as always.
"There's no doubt that we are going to try to win every single game that we play," Marrone said Monday, a day after the team's 10th consecutive loss – 27-25 to the Cleveland Browns at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. "I can tell you that. That's not even a question."
Marrone, speaking via conference call, said that quote in response to a question about whether the Jaguars (1-10) in the season's final five weeks might "shut players down" to prevent further injuries to a roster that has been hit heavily in that area in recent weeks.
"Whatever we have to do to win, we're going to do," Marrone said, specifying that players would be activated off injured reserve when possible to win as many games as possible.
Marrone on Monday's call also said he planned to wait until speaking to the team's quarterbacks before announcing a starter for Sunday's game at Minnesota. Veteran Mike Glennon, making his first start since 2017, threw two touchdown passes with no interceptions Sunday.
Gardner Minshew II, the team's starting quarterback in Games 1-7, missed a fourth consecutive game Sunday with a thumb injury. Rookie Jake Luton started Games 8-10 before Glennon's start Sunday.
"I'm going to talk to the players first before I talk about it publicly," Marrone said.
Marrone spent much of Monday's call discussing his approach in the wake of Caldwell's firing and with uncertainty surrounding the staff's future. Jaguars Owner Shad Khan reportedly told Marrone Sunday that the staff was secure at least until season's end.
Marrone said he has discussed with players multiple times that there could be change, telling them: "This is the situation we're in. We're the only ones that are going to be able to battle it out – and it's important that we support each other, we stay together, we continue to work, we continue to try o break through to win."
Marrone added, "Obviously, change is going to occur. When you're not winning, there's always going to be some type of change – players, coaches, management. Somethings going to happen. So, a lot of us that have the ability and want to stay in this league – whether you're a player, coach – a lot of it going to be how you handle the situation.
"This is going to be an experience that's really going to challenge them professionally to make sure they're doing everything they possibly can. That's going to be on film. 'People are going to look at you and evaluate you as far as how you reacted, what you said publicly, how you played the game, how you took to coaching.' The same with the coaches.
"I told them, 'I'm committed to making you better every single day,' whether it's the coaches or the players. And trying to get us over this hump and trying to get a win."
Marrone said he the team has responded well in recent weeks. The Jaguars, after losing six consecutive games by 12.2 points per game before a Week 8 bye, have lost by four points or less in three of their last four games. They had had possession with a chance to tie or take the lead in the final three minutes in three narrow losses.
"I don't have any issues with this team as far as doing their business and being professional – trying to get on the field, doing their treatment, playing hurt, playing banged up," Marrone said. "Same with the coaches."
NOTABLE I
Marrone on Monday said the team got "good news" Sunday night regarding rookie defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, who left Sunday's loss with a knee injury. Marrone said while Hamilton will be placed on injured reserve, the injury is not as severe as originally believed. "It's definitely not anything that's quite long-term, which was the concern," Marrone said.
NOTABLE II
Marrone on Monday also discussed Glennon's performance Sunday. The eighth-year veteran, who last started for the Chicago Bears in 2017, completed 20 of 35 passes and was not intercepted. "I thought Mike made some good throws, some accuracy throws," Marrone said. "I think he took some shots, which I was happy with. I think there was a little rust. I think there were a lot of good things. We'll just see how this thing goes and I'll talk to all those quarterbacks probably sometime within the next 24 hours."
