4 potential Doug Pederson replacements who could rebuild the Jaguars defense

It’s difficult to pinpoint one thing that’s caused the Jacksonville Jaguars to have such a dismal season, but one area is receiving much of the blame.

Ryan Nielsen replaced Mike Caldwell as defensive coordinator, earning high praise for his ability to immediately impact a team on that side of the ball. Unfortunately, we have rarely seen the Jags make a difference on defense, leaving the 45-year-old and head coach Doug Pederson in serious jeopardy of being sacked between now and the end of the season.

The Jaguars defensive flaws

Since the start of the regular season, Jacksonville’s defensive unit has been susceptible in virtually every category, rarely rising to the occasion.

Perhaps the most surprising stat is how poor they have been on the front lines, given Nielsen’s desire to bring the heat and blitz early and often. After 11 games, the Jags are 25th in the league regarding team sacks (21), though if it’s any consolation, Nielsen’s former team, the Atlanta Falcons are dead last in that department (10).

That’s far from the only problem this defense has had in 2024, boasting the fourth-worst turnover differential (-8) with only five interceptions and three fumbles. Overall, the unit has given up a league-worst 413.7 yards per game while allowing the most touchdowns (37) with arguably their worst performance of the year occurring against the Chicago Bears in Week 11.

After 11 weeks, the Jags sit second from the bottom in passing yards allowed per game (278.3) and 26th in rush defense, conceding 135.5 yards on average every 60 minutes on the ground.

All the numbers add up to Nielsen being on the unemployment line sooner rather than later and the Jags searching for a fifth defensive coordinator since 2020. With that in mind, here are four names the Jaguars should consider to replace Doug Pederson and rebuild the defense.

Jesse Minter- Los Angeles Chargers

In his first season with the Los Angeles Rams, Jesse Minter has drastically improved a Chargers defensive unit that is among the best in EPA per play.

Under his leadership, Jim Harbaugh’s team is sixth in team sacks (34) while allowing 317.1 yards per game, nearly 50 fewer than in 2023 (362.9).

Since Minter was named defensive coordinator, LA has looked as cohesive on that side of the ball as we ever saw when Brandon Staley was the head coach. Meanwhile, his schemes at the University of Michigan were among the best in college football.

Minter's credentials suggest he may be in line for a head coaching job in the near future. Harbaugh may try to keep his defensive coordinator from leaving, but the Jaguars would be lucky to have him. Overpaying for his services could be a worthwhile investment in the long term.

Vance Joseph- Denver Broncos

As weak as his numbers are as an NFL head coach, Vance Joseph’s work as a defensive coordinator with Denver is nothing short of exemplary.

The former defensive back has taken a team seeded 23rd in the NFL last season in EPA to a top-notch unit in a short period. His group leads the league in team sacks (39) while allowing the third-fewest yards per game (289.4). Denver is also in the top 10 for passing, running, and scoring defenses.

Joseph would be an ideal fit for a Jaguars defense that needs to improve across the board.

Aaron Glenn- Detroit Lions

Many teams are gushing at the opportunity to add Ben Johnson to their coaching staff, but one shouldn’t forget the work of Aaron Glenn for the Lions.

Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator is a big reason why defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has developed into an elite NFL pass rusher, a great tackler, and an all-around strong player at his position.

One big thing missing from the Jags 2024 defense has been game-changing turnovers. That’s where Glenn’s crew have excelled, with the Lions ranked second in the league in interceptions (14) and tied with the Chicago Bears for third in turnover differential (+9).

No one on Detroit’s defense is the best at their position, but overall this team is strong in every aspect, with safety Kerby Joseph and defensive back Brian Branch among the highest-rated safeties, while Jack Campbell has stabilized their linebacking position.

Like Johnson, he’ll be at the top of many teams’ wishlists, and there may be no NFL club in need of help at that position more right now than Jacksonville.

Brian Flores- Minnesota Vikings

All season long, the Vikings have been nipping at the heels of Detroit in the NFC North, just a game behind. Their defensive work is to thank for that.

Minnesota are among the top teams this year regarding passer rating allowed and EPA per play on a roster that had many experts questioning their talent on all three levels. Flores has unlocked that talent and shown us this team’s Pro Bowl calibre of players on defense. Jonathan Greenard is enjoying a career year in purple with over 50 pressures, making fans forget about Danielle Hunter. Blake Cashman has fit in seamlessly at the linebacking spot, and Josh Metellus is proving to be a true lockdown cover man with elite tackling ability.

Unlike Glenn and Minter, Flores probably won’t be considered for a head coaching position, given his record with the Miami Dolphins (24-25). That said, he’s proven himself as a coordinator who’s had success in that role on various teams and could ultimately get a chance as a head coach in the next hiring cycle.