Doug Pederson ‘lukewarm’ about becoming the Jaguars head coach

Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson was the first candidate to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars to discuss the vacancy left by Urban Meyer. However, it took the Jags a month to schedule a second interview, why? Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated may hold the answer to that question.

Breer said on his Monday Morning Quarterback column that Pederson was “lukewarm” about the chance to become the Jaguars’ head coach based on his experience in Philly and the structure in place in Jacksonville. It’s uncertain at this point if Pederson changed his mind and told the Jags that he was interested in their opening after all. But it’s also possible that the organization had the initiative to inquire with him about having a second interview. Nevertheless, Breer’s article hints that his level of interest might not have originally been high. As Adam Hermann of NBC Sports noted, Pederson could wait for a more stable opening given what he had to endure with the Eagles.

"The role, initially, simply wasn’t attractive enough for a guy with Pederson’s pedigree to make a hard push, it seems. Having to work with Trent Baalke as your general manager? Dealing with ownership that has time and time again displayed questionable decision-making skills and dubious character evaluation ability? No thanks, see ya later."

Doug Pederson would bring stability to the Jaguars.

Byron Leftwich may be the favorite to land in Jacksonville but Doug Pederson is also a qualified candidate and his resume stacks up pretty well with those of other former head coaches. In just his second year on the job, he led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win. However, he was reportedly undermined by owner Jeff Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman and ultimately lost his job because of his coaching staff choices.

Would you blame Pederson for not wanting to join a situation that might be similar to the one he had to experience in Philadephia? Maybe he agreed to meet with the Jaguars for the second time because he would get some assurances and with Rick Spielman potentially joining the front office, he feels more comfortable taking the job.

Leftwich would be a good fit in Jacksonville but so would Pederson and either one could help bring some stability to the Jaguars, especially if they do something about general manager Trent Baalke.