The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to dismiss head coach Doug Pederson at the end of the regular season. However, there's a chance he'll keep his job. After all, he was responsible for back-to-back winning seasons and could dub 2024 as an anomaly rather than the norm. If he ends up staying, Pederson will need to make changes to his coaching staff, though.
Offensive coordinator Press Taylor should most definitely get the boot, but his defensive counterpart, Ryan Nielsen, shouldn't get a pass. After all, the Jags rank near the cellar of most meaningful defensive categories in the NFL despite the fact that they have ample talent to work with on that side of the ball.
So why does Nielsen need to go? His defense lacks discipline, with players often getting flagged for puzzling things such as offsides. This is even more surprising when you take into account that he was supposed to put an emphasis on fundamentals and technique. Moreover, his penchant for rotating players and having them line up out of position hasn't paid dividends.
This begs the question if Pederson does move on from the mustachioed coordinator, who should he bring him to take his place? Here are four names that make sense.
Rob Leonard, Raiders defensive line coach
The Las Vegas Raiders aren't very good. In fact, Antonio Pierce could be one-and-done as their head coach. But that shouldn't take away from the work Rob Leonard has done with the defensive line.
When you think of the Raiders' best defensive player, edge rusher Maxx Crosby is probably the first that comes to mind, but the former East Michigan standout missed a significant part of the 2024 season, and Las Vegas defensive front still came through. Leonard deserves credit for that.
Apart from playing a big role in sophomore Tyree Wilson's development, Leonard has overseen K'Lavon Chaisson's career revival in the desert. In case you forgot, Chaisson spent four seasons with the Jags and was seen as a bust. Under Leonard's tutelage, he's at last able to live up to his potential.
Leoard could have a similar impact for youngsters Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson.
Sean Desai, Rams senior defensive assistant
The Philadelphia Eagles hired Sean Desai as their defensive coordinator in 2023, but he was quickly phased out of favor for Matt Patricia. After getting the boot, Desia quickly latched on the Los Angeles Rams and spent the 2024 season as an assistant learning from Chris Shula and head coach Sean McVay.
Desai has ample coaching experience, having served as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator. He also spent time in the collegiate ranks. His stock isn't particularly high right now, but it does hurt the Jaguars to do due diligence and make sure they're not overlooking anyone.
Ejiro Evero, Panthers defensive coordinator
The Carolina Panthers hired Ejiro Evero as their defensive coordinator in 2023 after a promising stint with the Denver Broncos. However, their defense has struggled the past two years, and Evero is probably on the hot seat. Granted, he doesn't have much talent to work with, but that excuse won't fly.
There's speculation that Evero will be dismissed after the season, and if he does, Jacksonville must give him a call. With the Jaguars, he would have significantly more talent than what he currently does in Carolina.
Robert Saleh, former Jets head coach
The New York Jets fired Robert Saleh midseason, and he'll be looking for a new team in 2025. He may not get work as a head coach, but clubs could attempt to hire him as a defensive coordinator. The Jaguars should if they have a vacancy.
In Jacksonville, Saleh would get the most out of an underachieving bunch. He would also get a chance to rebuild his stock and maybe even earn head-coaching consideration in 2026.