The Jacksonville Jaguars are embarking on a transparent coaching search, unprecedented in their franchise history, following the dismissal of head coach Doug Pederson. Owner Shad Khan released a list of eight potential interview candidates, including five offensive coordinators: Joe Brady (Buffalo), Liam Coen (Tampa Bay), Ben Johnson (Detroit), Todd Monken (Baltimore), and Kellen Moore (Philadelphia). Defensive coordinator candidates include Aaron Glenn (Detroit) and Patrick Graham (Las Vegas), along with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Pederson’s firing resulted from the Jaguars’ disappointing performance, marked by an 18-loss streak in 23 games. Injuries to key players such as quarterback Trevor Lawrence and receiver Christian Kirk compounded the team's struggles. Khan criticized the team's predictability and emphasized the need for a head coach who can bring creativity and unpredictability to both offense and defense. He reassured that the presence of general manager Trent Baalke would not impede the search.
Khan believes the Jaguars have a strong case to attract a new head coach, citing resources such as a talented young quarterback in Lawrence, upcoming draft picks, and significant financial flexibility. Despite recent struggles, the team possesses several promising players and is situated in a favorable market with no state income tax. However, challenges remain, including an aging roster and the commitment to play home games in London, which could affect competitiveness.
