Doug Pederson Hired As Next Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach
Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has been hired as the next HC for the Jacksonville Jaguars — noted via press release, provided to OutKick.
In his five seasons as coach, Pederson led the Eagles to two NFC East division titles and built a championship pedigree with a dysfunctional quarterbacks room, featuring an injured Carson Wentz and backup Nick Foles.
Pederson and the Eagles (led by Foles as the starter) defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI by banking on the coach's prowess for offense, which should fit right in for the Jags.
Owner Shad Khan was ardent in searching for an offense-first head coach to help a still-green Trevor Lawrence fill in the big shoes that the no. 1 overall pick bestowed upon him.
“Doug Pederson four years ago won a Super Bowl as head coach of a franchise in pursuit of its first world championship,” Jags owner Shad Khan said in the release.
He added:
“I hope Doug can replicate that magic here in Jacksonville, but what is certain is his proven leadership and experience as a winning head coach in the National Football League. It’s exactly what our players deserve. Nothing less.
“Combine this with his acumen on the offensive side of the ball, and you have why I am proud to name Doug Pederson the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"I know our fans will warmly welcome Doug and his family to Duval and I personally look forward to having Doug as part of everything we envision for the team, downtown and community in the years ahead.”
Khan also appeared to have wanted an HC capable of working with general manager Trent Baalke.
The GM was a hot-seat survivor at the end of Jacksonville's 3-14 season in 2021. His retention was reportedly a deal-breaker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, who was at one point believed to be the undisputed pick for the job.
Leftwich withdrew his name from considerations late Thursday, likely inspiring the Jags to lock in their pick with a different Super Bowl winner in Pederson. He went 42-37-1 as Philadelphia's head coach.
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