The Jacksonville Jaguars have given Doug Pederson ample time to steer the ship in the right direction, but he's failed to deliver. At this point, it's probably a matter of time before they give him the boot, and once they do, they cannot waste any time in the search for his replacement. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson should be at the top of their wish list, but they will need to outbid the Chicago Bears for his services. Fortunately for the Jags, they have an ace up their sleeve.
Mike Garofolo of NFL Media reports that Johnson is reportedly intrigued about becoming the head coach for the Bears, pointing out that the offensive coordinator is willing to listen.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: #Seahawks QB Geno Smith and RB Ken Walker II are both good to go today; #Ravens WR Diontae Johnson will find out Monday at 4 pm if he’s claimed; #Lions OC Ben Johnson is intrigued by the #Bears HC vacancy. pic.twitter.com/862mfQvFNO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2024
There's no doubt Chicago is an intriguing landing spot for coaching candidates, especially if they think they can salvage Williams, who's off to a rocky start to his career. Having said that, the Jaguars will be a compelling destination precisely because of the same reasons.
Like the Bears, Jacksonville has a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. While he's been inconsistent at times, he's certainly proven that he can play at a high level. In fact, he's more of a proven commodity than Williams at this stage of his career.
Moreover, Brian Thomas Jr., who just became the first rookie in team history to get more than 1,000 yards, would give Johnson a bonafide No. 1 receiver to scheme around. The defense, on the other hand, has also several building blocks. On top of that, the Jaguars will have the cap space to address whatever needs they have next year.
The X-factor could turn out to be general manager Trent Baalke. Johnson has made it clear that he wants to work with a general manager who shares his vision, and Baalke is known across the league as someone who's difficult to work with. If he keeps his job beyond 2024, he would probably Jacksonville a less appealing destination for head-coaching candidates.
On the bright side, it seems like Baalke knows he's on his way out and could potentially retire after the season. That would allow the Jaguars to bring in a new general manager, one that Johnson feels comfortable with.
The Jacksonville Jaguars must do what it takes to land Ben Johnson
Whether it's signing free agents or investing in renovations for EverBank Stadium, owner Shad Khan has shown that he isn't afraid to spend. He must take a similar approach in the next hiring cycle when looking for Doug Pederson's potential replacement. Sure, the Jacksonville Jaguars haven't dismissed him yet but it may be a matter of time before they do.
When the Jags fire Pederson, Khan must offer Johnson or any other candidates whatever they need to ensure they succeed. He did it when he courted Urban Meyer back in 2021. He should do it once again next year.
Granted, Jacksonville won't be the only team that will pursue Johnson but a willingness to spend should help its case. On the off chance, they miss out on the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, they would still be an appealing destination for other candidates such as Liam Coen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), or Wes Phillips (Minnesota Vikings).
The bottom line is that the Jaguars must make it clear to Johnson and other candidates that they'll be the best destination in the next hiring cycle. They have the resources to land whoever they want and not end up with a consolation prize.