Doug Pederson’s Job Security in Jeopardy After Jaguars’ Historic Loss

The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ dismal 2024 season hit a new low with a 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions, marking the worst defeat in the franchise’s history. Despite this catastrophic performance, head coach Doug Pederson and General Manager Trent Baalke remain employed, at least for the time being.

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the decision to keep Pederson and Baalke on board is likened to rearranging “deck chairs on the Titanic,” suggesting that the team’s overall situation is beyond repair regardless of immediate personnel changes. The prevailing sentiment within the league is that the Jaguars will need to undergo a significant overhaul in the offseason, likely involving the departure of both Pederson and Baalke.

Pederson, who has a 45-20 record over his three seasons with the Jaguars, including a playoff win in his first season, is now seen as a lame-duck coach. The team’s current 2-9 record, combined with a defense that ranks last in the league, has heightened the pressure on Pederson and Baalke. Owner Shad Khan‘s decision not to fire Pederson immediately may be a strategic move, as Khan would still be paying Pederson’s salary whether he is fired now or at the end of the season.

Tensions between Pederson and Baalke have also come to light, particularly regarding the role of offensive coordinator Press Taylor. Baalke reportedly wanted Pederson to fire Taylor, but Pederson has remained loyal to him despite criticism. This loyalty dates back to their time with the Philadelphia Eagles, where Pederson’s plan to promote Taylor to OC was rejected before Pederson’s eventual firing.

The Jaguars’ future looks uncertain, with speculation that six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick could be a potential candidate for the head coaching role if it becomes available. However, the likelihood of Belichick joining the Jaguars, especially in a package deal with Baalke, is considered unlikely by some analysts.