As the 2024 season has progressed, the Jaguars’ continued struggles have led to an strong sense of head coach Doug Pederson dismissal being likely. That would certainly not come as a surprise at this point, especially given the sentiment of his assistants. 
Many members of Pederson’s staff have been “preparing as though they’ll need new jobs” once the season ends, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes. Jones, like many others, adds Pederson is viewed as being a lock to be dismissed as early as tonight. Likewise, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on Sunday morning’s NFL Countdown that Pederson is among the coaches seen as not being safe with respect to firing decisions (video link).
The most recent updates on the matter suggested firing Pederson was not necessarily a guarantee, but taking into account owner Shad Khan‘s optimism about the 2024 season he will no doubt be dissatisfied with the results of the campaign. That could also lead to general manager Trent Baalke being replaced, although Khan’s quiet stance on the situation has left it unclear how he will proceed on that front. Jones confirms the expectation around the league remains that Baalke – in place since 2021 – will be fired.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor has been in place since Pederson’s arrival in 2022, reuniting with the Super Bowl winner after their shared time in Philadelphia. Baalke reportedly urged Pederson to fire Taylor after last season, one in which the Jaguars collapsed during the second half of the campaign. Injuries to quarterback Trevor Lawrence and receiver Christian Kirk (among others) have hampered Jacksonville’s offense this year, but Taylor’s name will certainly be one to watch if Pederson is fired. Major changes were made on the defensive side of the ball last offseason, but those did not produce the desired results either.
Jones adds Jaguars assistants have been “demoralized” during the closing weeks of the campaign, one which ended Sunday afternoon with an overtime loss to the Colts. Khan could very well react with sweeping changes, in which case adding a new head coach and quickly filling out the rest of the staff will become a priority. Khan has not made contact with potential candidates at this point, but Jones notes a search firm will likely be brought in presuming Pederson’s tenure comes to an end.
As Black Monday approaches, the Jaguars are among the teams to watch closely after a 4-13 season. Further signs point to a head coaching change, and many other positions on staff could soon be open.
Wes Borland?
I have no idea how the GM has kept his job. He must have blackmail material on Shad Kahn. Mr Kahn, chapter 27 in the book Football for Dummies explains how to fire a GM without hurting his feelings. I know you just received the book for Christmas, but please skip ahead to chapter 27.
Perhaps Mr Kahn is hoping for a reverse Ted Lasso effect. Put a guy (Baalke) in charge of a football (US) team who has no knowledge of said sport and maybe he will succeed. I doubt this is it, but it’s a theory.
The Jags are my second favorite team and I hate to watch them fail again and again. In my humble opinion a QB guru needs to be hired and Mr Pederson needs to be shown the door. Can you imagine if the Lion’s OC got ahold of someone with the upside of Trevor Lawrence. Probably will not happen, but a guy can always hope.
Agree. Wasting Lawrence all these years has been a travesty, especially after watching Nix and Daniels have success in their rookie years.