Jaguars HC Doug Pederson’s coaching staff taking shape

Doug Pederson has gotten to work after being hired as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars a few days ago. He’s currently putting his coaching staff together and just checked off the box for the quarterbacks coach position.

Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy will be the Jags’ newest quarterback coach. This is his first job in the NFL since the Cards relieved him of his duties in 2018 and he will be tasked with mentoring second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence, arguably the most important player in Jacksonville and one that will play a big role in coach Pederson’s success with the Jaguars.

Before serving as the offensive coordinator in Arizona, McCoy was the head coach of the Los Angeles (then San Diego) Chargers from 2013 to 2016 and the Denver Broncos offensive coordinator in 2017. The California native has nearly 20 years in the NFL and his experience should give him a meaningful voice and provide insight in the team’s offensive meetings.

Jaguars HC Doug Pederson must put the final touches on his coaching staff.

Press Taylor was reportedly being considered for a role in Doug Pederson’s staff. At the time, it was uncertain what position it would be but with Pep Hamilton becoming the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator and McCoy set to be the quarterbacks coach in Jacksonville, Taylor is a prime candidate to be hired as the Jaguars’ next offensive coordinator.

On the defensive side of the ball, Mike Caldwell could become the Jags’ defensive coordinator. Caldwell and Pederson were teammates with the Philadephia Eagles in the late 1990s and later coworkers under Andy Reid in the early 2010s. His previous relationship makes him a logical choice for the job but his work as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebackers coach shouldn’t go unnoticed.

In Tampa Bay, Caldwell helped 2019 first-round pick Devin White become one of the best linebackers in the league. He also helped veteran Lavonte David keep producing at 30. He should have a similar kind of impact on the Jaguars’ defense and especially on linebacker Myles Jack, who had a relatively down 2021 campaign.

It will be interesting to see what other coaches Doug Pederson will bring to his staff in the upcoming days, but he no longer has to worry about the quarterbacks coach position. The Jaguars should make his and the rest of the hires official soon. Make sure to check and bookmark B&T for updates.