On Monday, the Jacksonville Jaguars revealed that they have let go of head coach Doug Pederson following a disappointing season in 2024.
The squad will keep general manager Trent Baalke.
It is common for teams to implement coaching changes the day following the last day of the regular season, a day often referred to as “Black Monday.”
“This morning, I faced the tough challenge of telling Doug Pederson about my decision to appoint a new head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars,” stated team owner Shahid Khan.
“Doug is a successful football figure who will surely relish another phase in his remarkable NFL journey, and I will be supporting Doug and his wife, Jeannie, when that moment comes.” Although Doug and I both wish his time here in Jacksonville had concluded more positively, my primary duty is to prioritize the best interests of our team and particularly our fans, who loyally support us and deserve to be rewarded. In that sense, the moment to invoke fresh leadership is now.
“I firmly believe that it is possible next season to bring back the winning atmosphere we experienced here not long ago.” I will work together with General Manager Trent Baalke and others, both inside and near our organization, to find a leader who aligns with my vision and is prepared to embrace the remarkable opportunity we will present in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars ended the season with a 4-13 record, even though Khan indicated prior to the season that this roster was the “best” he had observed during his time owning the team.
Pederson was employed in 2022 and spent three years in Jacksonville. He departs with an overall record of 22-29; his initial two seasons concluded at 9-8 before experiencing a decline in performance this year.
In his inaugural season, the Jags made it to the playoffs, winning against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, while quarterback Trevor Lawrence earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Although the Jaguars concluded 2023 with the identical record, a disappointing finish to the year – Jacksonville dropped five of its final six games – resulted in the season ending on a negative note as they failed to reach the playoffs. Khan subsequently referred to 2023 as a “failure in organization.”
This year began poorly, as the team started 0-4, featuring a significant 47-10 defeat against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Lawrence – who received a lucrative extension from the team during the offseason – was sidelined for significant periods, especially towards the end of the season, because of injury as pressure increased on Pederson.
Ultimately, a 26-23 loss in Week 18 to the Indianapolis Colts concluded the Jags’ season and secured them the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
In another development, the New England Patriots dismissed head coach Jerod Mayo only hours following their Week 18 win on Sunday.
The Jaguars join the Patriots, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints as teams seeking a new head coach.
