Defensive coordinator Tucker unlikely to return to Jaguars

Jaguars defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is exploring other coaching options and almost certainly will not be back in Jacksonville, according to league sources.

Tucker, who interviewed for the Jaguars head-coaching job each of the last two years and served as interim head coach in 2011 when Jack Del Rio was fired, is nearing the end of his time there, sources said.

Tucker was also a finalist for the Wisconsin job and has been highly thought of by Jags owner Shahid Khan. However, with the hiring of Gus Bradley, a defensive-minded head coach, the need to retain Tucker is now limited at best, and Bradley is putting together his own staff.