The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced that head coach Mike Mularkey has been fired.

Newly-appointed general manager David Caldwell informed Mularkey of the decision yesterday.

A statement from Caldwell said: "I informed Mike [on Thursday] that he will not return as head coach of the Jaguars.

"I know Mike well and do not want anyone to misinterpret the rationale behind my decision. Mike is an excellent coach and I am sure he will succeed in his next stop in the NFL.

"However, I must do what I believe is best for the Jacksonville Jaguars and immediately explore every avenue possible to turn our football team around. For that to happen as seamlessly as we want, and as quickly as our fans deserve, I feel it is in everyone's best interests for an immediate and clean restart."

At the end of the regular season, the Jaguars fired general manager Gene Smith, with the team having won just two games during the campaign.