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Jacksonville Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey insists he wanted quarterback Tim Tebow.

Speaking before a fan event Thursday night, Mularkey says "don't believe everything you hear or read in the media."

Mularkey adds that "it's hard not to want a guy like that."

There were reports that Jacksonville's front office and coaching staff didn't really want Tebow. Owner Shahid Khan certainly did, telling general manager Gene Smith to explore a trade for the polarizing quarterback.

The Jaguars offered a fourth-round draft pick for Tebow, but the former Florida star ended up going to the New York Jets for two picks.

So if the Jaguars really wanted Tebow, who grew up in Jacksonville, why not give up a third-round pick?

Mularkey says "that's confidential."