The 2002 season was the Jacksonville Jaguars' 8th in the National Football League and their eight and final under head coach Tom Coughlin. The team matched their 2001 record of 6–10 and finished 3rd place in the AFC South, missing the playoffs for the third season in a row. This was Mark Brunell's final full season as the Jaguars' starting quarterback. Tom Coughlin was fired after this season and replaced by Jack Del Rio the following season.

Offseason

2002 expansion draft

NFL draft

Undrafted free agents

Staff

Final roster

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts and Jaguars faced off for the first time as divisional rivals in their season opener on September 8 in Jacksonville. The Colts initiated the scoring with a touchdown in the first quarter, the Jaguars tied the scores in the second quarter with an 8–yard touchdown pass from Mark Brunell to tight end Pete Mitchell. In the final minutes of the second quarter, Mark Brunell was intercepted by Colts linebacker Marcus Washington who returned the ball 40 yards for a touchdown. The Jaguars missed a 52–yard field goal attempt, resulting in a halftime score of 14–7 in favor of the Colts. In the third quarter, a fumble by Colts running back Edgerrin James led to a Jaguars field goal, followed by another fumble from Colts tight end Marcus Pollard that led to a Jaguars touchdown, giving them the lead. After the Jaguars forced a Colts three–and–out, return specialist Damon Gibson mishandled the catch, allowing Colts defender Clifton Crosby to recover the ball at Jacksonville's 19–yard line, the Colts capitalized on this opportunity, scoring a touchdown to regain the lead. Gibson was released after the game eventually signing with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, Bobby Shaw would take his place the remainder of the year. In the fourth quarter, the Colts added another touchdown to widen their advantage. The Jaguars mounted a lengthy drive, scoring a touchdown and converting a two–point attempt to narrow the Colts' lead to just three points with a little over four minutes remaining. On the ensuing drive The Colts managed to hold the ball for three minutes and forced the Jaguars to use all three of their time-outs, leaving them with the ball and about a minute remaining. The Jaguars advanced to the Colts' 46–yard line but ultimately ran out of time, resulting in a 28–25 victory for the Colts.

Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 4: vs. New York Jets

Week 5: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 6: at Tennessee Titans

Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 8: vs. Houston Texans

Week 9: at New York Giants

Week 10: vs. Washington Redskins

Week 11: at Houston Texans

Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 16: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 17: at Indianapolis Colts

The Colts began the game sluggishly, but a fumble by the Jaguars at their 23–yard line enabled the Colts to score a quick touchdown, leveling the score by halftime. In the third quarter, as the Colts advanced into Jacksonville territory, James fumbled the ball, allowing the Jaguars to convert it into a field goal and take a 13–10 lead heading into the fourth quarter. On the subsequent drive, the Jaguars appeared to force a three–and–out, but a penalty for running into the kicker granted the Colts a fresh set of downs. Capitalizing on this opportunity, the Colts tied the game with a field goal. After forcing another three–and–out, a strong punt return positioned the Colts at Jacksonville's 47–yard line. Manning then connected with Pollard for an 11–yard touchdown, putting the Colts ahead. In the closing moments, the Colts' defense held firm, securing a 20–13 victory over the Jaguars.

Standings

Division

Conference