‘Almost inevitable’ – Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson facing axe after Lions mauling with new man already in building
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson may not survive the bye week.
The Detroit Lions romped to a 52-6 for the Jags’ fifth loss in six games to see the Jaguars fall to 2-9 and the No.1 pick in next year’s NFL Draft appears to be a best-case scenario this season.
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Pederson has overseen a dramatic slumpCredit: Getty Images – GettyOwner Shad Khan hailed this outfit as the ‘best team’ in the franchise’s history.
But results – and performances – have fallen well short of expectations.
And Sunday’s dismal demolition by the Super Bowl contender Detroit Lions with backup quarterback Mac Jones under center looks like the final straw.
After signing a $275million contract over five years, Trevor Lawrence is not getting benched when healthy.
MORE ON NFLSo Pederson is set to be Khan’s sacrificial lamb.
Ahead of the Lions clash, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport cited team sources claiming it was ‘almost inevitable’ a new head coach would arrive in 2025.
And with the Week 12 bye a perfect chance to rebuild, the nature of Detroit’s win could force an early move.
QB coach Mike McCoy has previous head coach experience and would seem a fitting choice to take the reins for the rest of the season should Pederson get his marching orders.
“I can’t control that. Listen, I’ve been around this league a long time,” revealed the coach on his future after Sunday’s loss.
“If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen obviously. But at the same time, I have a job to do.”
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Lawrence has not been on form since an offseason extension
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Khan had huge expectations for this seasonCredit: ReutersWhatever happens, the Jaguars’ issues will not be solved by one change.
An alarming slump that goes back to the second half of last season has dented the confidence of the organization.
“It’s all of us. Everyone has a hand in it,” a source told Rapoport.
Pederson went 9-8 in both of the last two seasons, but expectations are high in Florida.
Ironically, two of the coaches on the opposite sideline could be in contention for Pederson’s job in 2025.
Ben Johnson’s stock is on the rise after bringing the best out of Jared Goff as offensive coordinator in Detroit.
Jason Bell discusses whether Detroit Lions star Jared Goff could win the MVP award this season
And Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is also believed to be ready for a head coach role.
Jags general manager Trent Baalke is also believed to be fighting for his future.
With Lawrence on a mega-money deal, the Jaguars are likely to look elsewhere if they secure a high draft pick.
Two-way Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter is an option, while Jacksonville desperately needs reinforcements on defense.
Trading with a QB-needy team to acquire more capital would be a wise move.
