Jacksonville Jaguars Fire Head Coach Doug Pederson After Disappointing Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars fired head coach Doug Pederson on Monday after a disappointing 4-13 season, the team announced. The decision comes after the Jaguars lost 18 of their last 23 games, culminating in a franchise-worst 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions in November.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan made the announcement, stating, ‘I had the difficult task this morning of informing Doug Pederson of my intention to hire a new head coach to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars.’ Khan emphasized the need for new leadership to restore a winning environment, adding, ‘I strongly believe it is possible next season to restore the winning environment we had here not long ago.’

Pederson, who led the Jaguars to an AFC South title in 2022, finished his tenure with a 22-29 record over three seasons. Despite early success, including a playoff win in 2022, the team struggled in 2023, particularly on defense, ranking 31st in yards allowed per game (389.9) and last in passing yards allowed per game (257.4).

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, also regressed under Pederson’s leadership. Lawrence threw for 2,045 yards and 11 touchdowns before injuries ended his season early. His 60.6% completion percentage was the second-lowest of his career, and he continued to struggle with turnovers.

Pederson’s firing marks the sixth head coaching change under Khan since he purchased the team in 2011. General Manager Trent Baalke, who is entering the final year of his contract, will remain with the organization as the Jaguars begin their search for a new head coach.

Pederson is best known for his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won Super Bowl LII in the 2017 season. He was fired by the Eagles after the 2020 season and spent a year out of football before joining the Jaguars in 2022.

The Jaguars’ struggles in 2023 were compounded by injuries to key players, including Lawrence, wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, and tight end Evan Engram. Despite these setbacks, rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley emerged as a bright spot, setting franchise rookie records with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Khan’s decision to retain Baalke has raised questions, as the general manager’s tenure has been marked by mixed results. Baalke’s draft picks have yielded only nine full-time starters since 2021, with Lawrence being the only Pro Bowl selection.

As the Jaguars look to rebuild, Khan emphasized the need for a leader who can capitalize on the team’s potential. ‘I will collaborate with General Manager Trent Baalke and others to hire a leader who shares my ambition and is ready to seize the extraordinary opportunity we will offer in Jacksonville,’ Khan said.