Jacksonville Jaguars appoint Doug Marrone as head coach as Tom Coughlin returns

Jacksonville Jaguars have named Doug Marrone as head coach and brought back Tom Coughlin to oversee football operations at the franchise.

Marrone had been in charge for the final two games of the Jaguars season, following the end of Gus Bradley's four-year tenure in November.

Highly-regarded Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels were among the names interviewed, including Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Mike Smith and Arizona offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin.

But the Jags have opted to hand Marrone a two-year deal in a revamped set-up that includes former head coach Coughlin as executive vice president of football operations and has seen general manager Dave Caldwell sign a two-year extension.

Marrone won one and lost one of his two games in charge but has not been handed a remit to get a talented Jacksonville roster into the play-offs for the first time since 2007 having finished with a 3-13 record, their sixth straight losing season.

Joining Marrone is Coughlin, the former New York Giants head coach was the Jaguars first coach and took charge of the franchise between 1995 and 2002 before heading to the Big Apple where he won a pair of Super Bowls. Coughlin will have final say on personnel decisions including April's NFL Draft and forthcoming free agency.

"I am honoured to welcome Tom Coughlin back to Jacksonville, where winning was customary under his leadership," Jacksonville owner Shad Khan said in a statement.

"I have confidence that one day soon we'll look back on today's news as the moment that inspired and ultimately established the Jacksonville Jaguars as a football team that wins, week to week and season to season.

"The results will speak for themselves in time, but with Tom coming in to join Dave and Doug, there is no question the Jacksonville Jaguars are a stronger football team today.

"I know he expects the same in his return to head our football operations, and that's good news for us and Jaguars fans everywhere. The extension of Dave Caldwell's contract speaks to his excellent work thus far and the continued importance of complementing our talented and promising roster."

The Jaguars were one of six teams seeking a new head coach and Marrone's appointment means Buffalo, Denver, LA Rams, San Diego and San Francisco remain on the lookout to fill their spots.