Doug Pederson is in demand despite disappointing end to stint with Jaguars

• Teams are interested in Doug Pederson, not just as a head coach.

Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson against the New York Jets during the third quarter at EverBank Stadium.
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson against the New York Jets during the third quarter at EverBank Stadium. | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

When he was hired as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Doug Pederson enjoyed immediate success. However, they experienced diminished results the past two seasons. And after missing the playoffs for the second straight year, the Jags gave him the boot. But in spite of his underwhelming exit, Doug P remains a hot commodity in coaching cycles. In fact, several teams are eyeing him for coordinator jobs.

Insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that several teams are considering Pederson for offensive coordinator jobs, pointing out that he could take the year off or return to work.

Following the Urban Meyer debacle, the Jags hired Pederson as their head coach in 2022. With him leading the way, they made the playoffs and won the AFC South. Once they were in the postseason, they stunned the Los Angeles Chargers in a historic comeback win in Super Wild Card Weekend and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.

Expected to pick off where they left off in Pedereson's first season, Jacksonville started 8-3 in 2023. However, it went on to lose five of its last six games and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

After a disappointing end to 2023, the Jags entered last season with high expectations. Unfortunately, they managed to sink even lower and finished with a 3-14 record. Owner Shad Khan wasn't pleased with the results and let him go.

Pederson leaves behind a legacy with plenty of highs and lows. He deserves ample praise for helping the team heal after the Urban Meyer era. He should also get recognition for having Trevor Lawrence play like a top-10 quarterback after a disastrous rookie campaign. In the same breath, he should be questioned for not helping No. 16 find consistency, and for his fealty toward right-hand man Press Taylor.

Even though Taylor wasn't able to get the best out of the offense, Pederson routinely came to bat for him. Along the way, he threw players under the bus to protect his protegee. And looking back, his loyalty to Taylor cost him like it did when he was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Jaguars no longer wanted Doug Pederson but other teams would like to hire him

If Doug Pederson wanted to work in 2025, he would have no shortage of inquiries, whether it's as an offensive coordinator or a coaching consultant like Mike Vrabel was for the Cleveland Browns last year.

While teams are quickly filling their coordinator vacancies, the New York Jets still have an opening. The same is true for the Dallas Cowboys, and the New Orleans Saints, which are yet to hire a head coach.

Perhaps Pederson could join his mentor Andy Reid in some capacity with the Kansas City Chiefs. It's easy to forget it now, but the former Jaguars head coach is a heck of a playcaller. This is why it was puzzling that he delegated the responsibility to offensive coordinator Press Taylor in Jacksonville.

On the other hand, Pederson could take a year off and recharge batteries. He certainly has no shortage of options. That said, don't expect him to get any head-coaching jobs soon. He may need to prove himself and have success with a team before he once again garners consideration for that kind of positions.

Pederson may not have the greatest reputation around Jacksonville, but for a brief moment, he gave the Jaguars hope. He wasn't able to deliver, and that cost him his job. That's alright, though. He's aware that it's the nature of the business and he's good enough at what he does that he'll eventually land on his feet.

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