Doug Pederson is in his third season as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and all signs point to this as his last. The AFC South franchise is 2-8 on the season and will face the Detroit Lions in Week 11.
As per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars are looking for a coaching change if they lose this Sunday. Jacksonville was projected to be a contender this season but has completely fallen off, and owner Shahid Khan is looking to shake things up.
Fans React to Latest Update on Doug Pederson’s Future
Here’s how fans reacted to the news of the Jaguars planning to fire Pederson if they lose in Week 11:
Leaking the day before the game that you're gonna fire your coach is some clown car nonsense from the Jaguars. There's a reason they are what they are. https://t.co/vCXhWBqF0o
— Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) November 17, 2024
“Leaking the day before the game that you’re gonna fire your coach is some clown car nonsense from the Jaguars. There’s a reason they are what they are,” NFL writer Frank Shawb tweeted.
“Doug always getting screwed,” said one fan.
“Would hate to rely on Mac Jones to keep my job,” said another fan.
What a disappointment the Lawrence jags have been.
I was told they would run the division for ten years after that playoff win. https://t.co/HQUY6WTKKI
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) November 17, 2024
Another fan added, “They fumbled the bag so hard.”
“Jaguars really chew up and spit out head coaches…” wrote one fan.
https://t.co/P4Hx8s0Fpx pic.twitter.com/xNQVeJ8Anf
— brad❕ (@jagsruined) November 17, 2024
Rapoport, in his story, also mentioned that the Jaguars will likely part ways with general manager Trent Baalke in what will be a complete teardown of the front office.
Jacksonville signed Trevor Lawrence to a five-year, $275 million extension this offseason. The team is unlikely to move off him but will bring in a new regime to build around a quarterback who entered the league as a generational prospect.
Lawrence is dealing with a shoulder injury and did not play last week. He will also be out for the game against the Lions, and Mac Jones will get his second start of the season.
Lawrence is the least of the Jaguars’ problems, as he has proven to be a good quarterback in this league. The biggest problem is their defense, which has allowed an average of 26.4 points per game and 261.2 passing yards per game, third-worst in the league. In PFN’s defense rankings, the Jaguars sit 30th out of 32 teams, even though they are coming off one of their better performances.
Pederson did well in taking over from Urban Meyer and brought the best out of Lawrence, which has helped the Jaguars cement their QB position. However, Pederson is 20-24 as the Jaguars’ head coach, with one win and a loss in the playoffs.
Bill Belichick Could Be Among Head Coach Candidates for Jaguars
The Jaguars will have several top candidates to choose from for their head coaching position after the season. Former Tennesee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick are among the top candidates for the next coaching cycle.
Belichick could prove to be the best candidate for the Jaguars, as he will instantly improve their defense and get the entire team to play hard. Bill Simmons also recently said that a move to Jacksonville makes a lot of sense for the Patriots legend.
PFN recently ranked the top 15 potential head coach candidates for 2025, and Belichick finished second behind only Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson.
“Concerns about Belichick’s need for personnel control might have taken him out of the running for the Falcons’ gig and could affect his stock in 2025. Nevertheless, he’s still the greatest coach in NFL history. It’s hard to imagine Belichick being left without a chair for the second consecutive year, but he may have to let go of the idea that he could transport the Patriot Way to his next destination.”
However, if the Jaguars go with Belichick, they must bring in a quality offensive coordinator. Lawrence can potentially become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he needs the right coach to help him develop.
Belichick is the best in the world on the defensive side of the ball, but as evidenced by his last few years in New England, he needs a good offensive coordinator alongside him.
Jones, who played under Belichick in New England, struggled a lot after the team lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Hopefully, the Jaguars will address that part if they hire Belichick.