6 candidates who could replace Doug Pederson as Jaguars head coach in 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars will likely be in for yet another coaching change in the offseason. With head coach Doug Pederson leading the team to a 2-9 record and getting more defiant by the day, the Jags may need to get rid of him to move forward in a positive direction.

The Jaguars need to, above all else, find a leader who will get the team motivated in a way Pederson clearly is not. Secondary objectives to achieve include getting the proper structure around franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence and finding someone with the schematic edge they need on the defensive side of the ball.

The Jaguars need to take a look at one of these six coaches to get things back on track. While Pederson should be praised for pulling this team out of the muck and kick-starting Lawrence's career, he isn't as attractive a candidate as these six coaches.

6 candidates who could replace Doug Pederson as Jaguars head coach in 2025

6. Bill Belichick, former HC, New England Patriots

This is unlikely, as Belichick is going to be 73 next season and his lack of offensive innovation is what led to his downfall. Hiring Belichick would also mean giving him total control over the entire operation. However, Belichick needs two hands to show off all his Super Bowl rings, which gives him all the qualifications he needs.

5. Chris Hewitt, AHC, Baltimore Ravens

Hewitt has been with the Ravens since 2012, serving as defensive backs coach, passing game coordinator, and assistant head coach at various times. Hewitt has learned under John Harbaugh for years, and his history on both sides of the ball could help a Jaguars roster that is alarmingly bad on the defensive side.

4. Teryl Austin, DC, Pittsburgh Steelers

Austin has been a defensive coordinator or senior defensive assistant in the league for the last 10 years, and he's been a big part of why Mike Tomlin's Steelers keep grinding out tough victories against elite competition. Bringing him to Jacksonville alongside a good offensive mind could raise the floor instantly.

3. Kliff Kingsbury, OC, Washington Commanders

Kingsbury has worked wonders with Jayden Daniels during his rookie season, and he was able to turn the Cardinals from the worst team in the league to a playoff participant in just three years on the job. If nothing else, getting Kingsbury will ensure that Lawrence puts up gaudy, efficient numbers.

2. Wes Phillips, OC, Minnesota Vikings

The son of former Bills and Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, Wes spent eight seasons working under Sean McVay before leading Minnesota's high-flying offense during the last three seasons. While he doesn't call plays, bringing that Vikings knowledge and scheme to Jacksonville would be best for Lawrence. In turn, that could be best for the franchise as a whole.

1. Ben Johnson, OC, Detroit Lions

Johnson is the hot name on everyone's coaching radar, and it is easy to see why. Between Jared Goff putting together one of the most efficient seasons in NFL history and both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery tallying 10 touchdowns each before Thanksgiving. Lawrence in that Detroit offense would put the AFC South on notice.

More Jaguars analysis here: