Doug Pederson’s hiring could change Jaguars forever, will it?

Jaguars HC Doug Pederson has a unique opportunity at hand.

And yet, Leftwich withdrew his name from the Jaguars’ search, Doug Pederson has been hired as the head coach, and Shad Khan has kept Baalke in place for the time being. The organization stood at a crossroads. In another universe, they fired Baalke, brought in any combination of a young head coach and competent general manager, and began to build around Trevor Lawrence.

In our universe, Baalke endures and the Jaguars bring in a veteran head coach who, while not as exciting a hire as Leftwich, offers Super Bowl pedigree and stability for the time being. Pederson’s exit from Philadelphia was unceremonious, but it’s impossible to deny what he brings to the table. This is a team that could contend for the playoffs in a weak division if even a few smart moves are made. This is a team with a genuine franchise quarterback, a first overall pick, a young roster, and more than enough cap space to turn the ship around.

The right coach and general manager could do wonders with the resources this team has to offer, and the wrong ones could keep this team in purgatory for decades to come. Doug Pederson has proved he can build a contender in Philadelphia, and he has shown he can help a young quarterback succeed.

Jacksonville has never had an asset like Lawrence before, and Pederson has been given the keys to his future. Will Shad Khan’s seeming attachment to Baalke cause the Pederson era to mirror Jack Del Rio’s tenure, or will Doug Pederson do what Sean McDermott did for the Bills and bring Jacksonville to sit at the adult table in the AFC? Only time will tell.