The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced that Gene Smith has been fired.

The general manager had spent four seasons with the franchise.

Owner Shad Khan said: "I met with Gene Smith this morning to inform him of my decision to go in a new direction and thank him for his dedication to the Jaguars since the inception of the franchise.

"I am personally appreciative for his efforts during my first season of ownership in the NFL.

"Gene is a good man with a long career ahead of him in football, and I know this season was as difficult for him as anyone with our organization. I sincerely wish Gene and his family the very best, today and always."

The Jaguars finished the season with two wins and 14 losses, the equal worst record in the NFL this season.