One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars with the season winding down is whether they'll dismiss Doug Pederson. It should be a no-brainer based on their underwhelming record dating back to last year, and if the Jags decide to go through it, they'll have no shortage of options to replace him. Ben Johnson will probably be the best of the bunch and thus highly coveted. Nevertheless, Josh Kendall of The Athletic thinks Jacksonville has a realistic shot at landing him.
Kendall did a power ranking and asked a question for all 32 NFL teams. Regarding the Jaguars, he wonders whether Johnson could end up becoming their head coach, arguing that Jacksonville may be a more appealing destination than the Chicago Bears.
"Everyone wants to link the Lions offensive coordinator to the Bears job (including us above), but joining a division with Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota might not be the best career move. The Jaguars could offer Trevor Lawrence and a spot in the AFC South. They also have the No. 3 pick right now after losing to the Raiders."
In recent weeks, Johnson has been linked to the Chicago job. Earlier this year, they dismissed head coach Matt Eberflus. Given the presence of 2024 first overall selection Caleb Williams and the resources they'll have at their disposal, they've been seen as a desirable vacancy. Then again, the Jags may be in even better shape.
Jacksonville committed to Trevor Lawrence in the offseason, giving him a five-year deal worth $275 million. While he's dealt with injuries the past two seasons, the former Clemson Tiger has shown he can play at a high level. He just needs someone who can help him build consistency. Johnson could be that man.
Since becoming the offensive coordinator for the Lions, Johnson has helped develop several players, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and tight end Sam Laporta. On top of that, Jared Goff has enjoyed a career revival under his tutelage.
In Jacksonville, Johnson would have comparable talent to work with. The Jags have a pair of talented tight ends in Brenton Strange and Evan Engram. They also have a dynamic backfield tandem in Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. Moreover, Brian Thomas Jr. has quickly established himself as a true bonafide WR1.
The defense isn't short on talent either, and whatever holes Jacksonville has can be filled in either free agency or the draft. Johnson and whatever general manager he decides to bring in would have more than enough cap space and draft picks to address them all.
This is to say that yes, the Jaguars should have a realistic shot at landing Johnson. Of course, it takes two to tango. After all the success he's enjoyed the past three years, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator will be in a position to choose what he thinks will be the best opening. That's where owner Shad Khan must come in and make an offer he cannot refuse.
Ben Johnson is a great candidate but the Jaguars must run an extensive search
There's no doubt that Ben Johnson will be the crown jewel in the next hiring cycle, and the Jacksonville Jaguars must make a run for him. Having said that, he won't be the only enticing candidate.
If Johnson isn't interested in the Jacksonville opening, or if his vision doesn't mesh with that of Shad Khan's, the Jaguars cannot get fixated on him. Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coem also comes with an impressive resume and could also help Trevor Lawrence untap his potential. The same is true for Wes Philips, who's made chicken salad with whatever quarterback the Minnesota Vikings give him.
Of course, the Jaguars should leave no stone unturned and also consider candidates with a defensive background, whether it's Jesse Minter, Robert Saleh, or Mike Vrabel.
The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars must give Doug Pederson his walking papers. The sooner they do it, the faster they'll be able to target Ben Johnson and find out whether he's a fit. If he isn't, they can simply swipe left.