Doug Pederson fired as Jacksonville Jaguars head coach while Trent Baalke remains as general manager

After a disappointing 4-13 season, Doug Pederson is out as Jaguars head coach, with Trent Baalke staying as GM.

Doug Pederson is no longer the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars after the team failed to meet expectations in the 2024 season. 

Despite high hopes and significant investments in the roster, the Jaguars finished with a 4-13 record, including a heartbreaking 26-23 overtime loss to Indianapolis in the final game of the season. The firing came a day after the loss, marking the 18th defeat in their last 23 games. However, general manager Trent Baalke was not let go, a decision that may impact the hiring of Pederson’s replacement.

Owner Shad Khan made the move with one year left on Pederson’s contract, even after he previously called this the "best team assembled by the Jacksonville Jaguars." Khan had emphasized a "winning now" mentality during training camp, committing nearly half a billion dollars to key signings, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Yet, the team failed to deliver a return on that investment.

In a statement, Khan expressed disappointment over the situation but emphasized his duty to prioritize the team's future success. "I strongly believe it is possible next season to restore the winning environment," Khan said, confirming his plans to hire a new leader for the team.

GM Trent Baalke sticks in Jacksonville, while Doug Pederson is out.

Some notes:
-- The new coach will report directly to Shad Khan.
-- With a stacked roster, plenty of young talent and a No. 5 overall pick, this could be a quick fix.
-- #Jaguars are spearheading Stadium of the… https://t.co/PSyKapZLhT

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2025

Pederson's tenure was marked by inconsistent results. After guiding the Jaguars to a playoff appearance in his first year, the 2023 season saw the team falter. Despite efforts to get Lawrence healthy and revamp the defense, the Jaguars went 1-5 in their final stretch and missed the playoffs. Pederson’s inability to develop Lawrence or create a clear team identity was a critical factor in the decision.

Under Pederson, Jacksonville struggled in close games, finishing 3-10 in one-score contests. This inability to close out games, paired with a lack of public support from players, indicated that the team’s direction needed to change.

Pederson's 23-30 record with Jacksonville fell short of the high expectations set when he was hired in 2021. Known for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl title in 2018, Pederson was brought in to provide stability following Urban Meyer’s chaotic tenure. However, Pederson’s impact on Jacksonville was largely forgettable, with one standout moment—a stunning playoff comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023—amid an otherwise underwhelming tenure.

As the Jaguars look to the future, Khan faces the challenge of hiring a coach who can develop Lawrence and elevate the franchise to new heights. The team will likely consider offensive coordinators Ben Johnson from Detroit and Liam Coen from Tampa Bay for the position. However, with Baalke still in place, potential candidates may hesitate to join the team.