&amp;nbsp;

UPDATE: The Jaguars confirmed Del Rio's dismissal later in the morning and confirmed Tucker will take the reins on an interim basis. Owner Wayne Weaver said of his decision (see video) to make the move: "We deserve better, the community deserves better. We've been very average over the last few years." Weaver did thank Del Rio for his service while opining the team is not far away from contending.

To that end, Weaver extended the contract of GM Gene Smith by three years, perhaps his last meaningful act as the team's owner amid his other major decision: selling the team.

***

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio has been fired according to multiple reports, including NFL Network, ESPN, AP and The Florida Times-Union.

The team will hold a press conference at noon ET.

The Jaguars are currently 3-8 and play San Diego on Monday Night. Sunday's loss to Houston and backup QBs Matt Leinart and T.J. Yates essentially eliminated Jacksonville from contending in the AFC South.

Owner Wayne Weaver made it clear from the outset of this season that Del Rio needed to win to save his job after the team experienced late-season nosedives in 2009 and 2010 that ruined once-promising postseason prospects. Jacksonville last went to the playoffs in 2007.

But this season provided far more drama than victories. Longtime starting QB David Garrard was unceremoniously cut days before the regular-season opener. First-round QB Blaine Gabbert was promoted after Week 2 but has largely struggled and found himself on the bench Sunday. An oft stout defense has been savaged by injuries. Finally, following the Jags' past two defeats, Del Rio seemed to lay blame at the feet of OC Dirk Koetter and his play selections.

ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Tony Dungy, while appearing on the Mike & Mike radio show, said it "doesn't help the team at this point" to fire Del Rio.

Still, DC Mel Tucker is expected to be named interim coach.

Del Rio went 69-73 after replacing the franchise's first coach, Tom Coughlin, in 2003 and led the Jags to two wild-card berths. Only Philadelphia's Andy Reid and New England's Bill Belichick have been on their respective jobs longer than Del Rio.

Contributing: Reid Cherner