5 potential replacements for Jaguars HC Doug Pederson if things go sideways in 2024

1. Mike Vrabel, former Titans head coach

Head coach Mike Vrabel is a highly respected figure around the league. While there's the occasional player who wasn't fond of his methods, most of them would gladly run through a brick wall from him. Similarly, you will have a hard time finding a head coach, Urban Meyer notwithstanding, who has a disdain for Vrabel. Surprisingly, the Tennessee Titans didn't think he was doing as good a job as they thought he could so they gave him the boot after the 2023 season.

It's true that Vrabel is coming off back-to-back losing seasons but some of the blame falls on the front office for failing not only to provide playmakers but actively getting rid of them. You knew general manager Jon Robinson's days with the Titans were numbered when they traded wide receiver A.J. Brown, their only viable target in the passing game, for a first-round pick during the 2022 NFL Draft.

Even though Ran Carthon, Robinson's successor, poured resources into the offensive last year, it wasn't nearly enough to replenish the roster. Not surprisingly, the dearth of talent came back to haunt Tennessee in the regular season, managing to muster just six games. At least Vrabel can say he left on a high note, knocking the Jaguars out of playoff contention in the finale.

While Vrabel sat out this coaching cycle, he should worry about finding a job next year. There will be suitors lined up ready to scoop him. If the Jaguars happen to have an opening, the prospect of beating his former employer might incentivize him to join forces.

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