Lions have the perfect GM/HC combo awaiting the Jaguars on a silver platter

The Jacksonville Jaguars had the Philadelphia Eagles against the ropes in Week 9. But like many times this season, they couldn't seal the deal and ultimately came up short. Now, the Jags are 2-7 and without a realistic chance to turn things around. Based on how things have played out, nobody will bat an eye if owner Shad Khan dismisses head coach Doug Pederson, and general manager Trent Baalke and starts over in 2025. If he does, he should turn to the Detroit Lions to acquire their respective replacements.

The loss to the Eagles was no different from others Jacksonville has suffered in 2024. Sometimes, it's the offense's fault. In other games, the defense cannot make a spot. More other than not, the Jaguars have played uninspiring football and routinely look unprepared. That falls on Pederson, who's responsible for making sure players are in a position to succeed.

In Pederson's defense, he cannot go onto the field and play. He said as much after the loss to the Chicago Bears and he isn't wrong. The issue lies in the delivery, and how he threw players under the bus to defend offensive coordinator Press Taylor. But that was only one game.

Dating back to Week 13 of the 2023 season, the Jags have lost 12 of 15 games. Simply put, Pederson has had ample time to turn things around but hasn't been able to. Having said that, Baalke has also played a role in the team's lackluster record.

Aside from investing in players who haven't had much of an impact this season, Baalke has failed to consistently replenish the roster and put together a championship-caliber team. Meanwhile, the Lions made the NFC Championship last year and are poised to make a deep playoff run in 2024.

Brad Holmes and Ben Johnson can help the Jaguars turn things around

It's important to point out that the Detroit Lions didn't suddenly turn into a contender. They had to first build the foundations, and that started when they hired Brad Holmes as the general manager and Dan Campbell as the head coach in 2021.

While Campbell has been able to get the most out of his players, Holmes makes sure the head coach has enough talent to work with. Of course, the Jacksonville Jaguars cannot outright poach them from Detroit, but they can certainly hire away some of the coaches that have made their Lions' recent success possible. In particular, they should target senior player executive John Dorsey and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Dorsey has served as the general manager for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns. Even though he's had a few misses, he's also had several hits and surely had a voice in the team's personnel decisions. On the other hand, Johnson's Campbell's right hand who's got full control of the offense.

In Jacksonville, Johnson would have a franchise quarterback to work with in Trevor Lawrence. Heck, he could even bring in Jaguars alumnus Mark Brunnell, who currently serves as a position coach, as his offensive coordinator. And like Jared Goff, No. 16 could enjoy a career revival. Moreover, players such as tight end Evan Engram and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. would thrive in his scheme. Similarly, running back Tank Bigsby, wide receiver Parker Washington, and tight end Brenton Strange.

Dorsey, for his part, could use the picks Trent Baalke has piled up and revamp the roster. On top of that, he could have ample cap space to make a few signings in free agency if he moves on from a handful of players whose production doesn't match their compensation.

At this point, it's fair to say that the Jags won't get over the hump with Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke. They might as well move on from them and look for someone who will. Ben Johnson and John Dorsey have put together the kind of resume that makes you think they can pull it off.

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