Following a 26-23 OT loss on Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars fired Head Coach Doug Pederson on Monday morning. The loss dropped Jacksonville to 4-13 as the 2024-25 season was a nightmare. Jacksonville holds the No. 5 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Pederson was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars in February 2022 as team Owner Shad Kahn hoped Pederson’s Super Bowl pedigree with the Philadelphia Eagles could translate to wins on the field in Duval County. Pederson defeated the Brady-Belichick Patriots in Super Bowl LII as the Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach. Unfortunately, no such success transpired with Pederson at the helm of the Jacksonville Jaguars. This move did not come as a surprise as there were multiple reports that Pederson would be fired at the end of the season.
Pederson’s Jaguars tenure got off to a strong start as the team finished 9-8 in 2022 and had one of the biggest comebacks in NFL Playoff history as they overcame a 27-0 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers. It was all downhill from there for Pederson and the Jaguars as they collapsed down the stretch last season and got off to a miserable start in 2024. Pederson’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars finishes at 22-29. Will this coaching change lead to better play on the field?
Jacksonville Jaguars Season Summary
Jacksonville’s season started poorly as they dropped their first four games. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence signed a lucrative contract extension contract extension over the summer that would ensure he is under center in Jacksonville for years to come. Being one of the league’s highest-paid players brings with it outsized expectations. Unfortunately, Lawrence did not play up to expectations in 2024.
Making matters worse for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence was sidelined since Week 13. He was diagnosed with a concussion and was later placed on IR and had surgery on his left shoulder. With Lawrence forced to sit, the Jaguars turned to former first round pick Mac Jones and he failed miserably under center. Pederson, once looked at as one of the best offensive minds in the National Football League, has lost his luster over the last two seasons in Jacksonville.
Final Thoughts
The Jacksonville Jaguars will reportedly begin their search for a head coach immediately. Some of the candidates in this year’s coaching carousel are Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and former Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel. Whichever candidate Jacksonville hires, hopefully, it will breathe new life into Lawrence and the franchise.
