The Jacksonville Jaguars are actively in the midst of their head coaching search following the firing of Doug Pederson on January 6, after the team finished the 2024 NFL season with a disappointing record of 4-13. Reports indicate the Jaguars have already interviewed multiple candidates, with each showing potential to lead the franchise back to competitiveness.
According to NFL Network, one of the team's recent interviews was with Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The 39-year-old has had varied experiences, moving between the NFL and collegiate football, serving as offensive coordinator for the University of Kentucky before joining Tampa Bay. Under Coen, the Buccaneers enjoyed significant success this past season, averaging 29.5 points per game — ranking fourth in the league — and leading with 50.9 percent third-down conversion success.
Coen is among the ten candidates the Jaguars have considered as they seek to replace Pederson. Other contenders include notable names like Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who is expected to be interviewed soon.
The search process has been lengthy, attributed to recent changes imposed by the NFL to allow more thorough evaluations. New guidelines establish no in-person interviews until after the divisional playoffs, which means many potential candidates cannot be officially assessed until their current teams are eliminated from competition.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence expressed his desire for the team to find the right leader who can instill the necessary toughness and culture within the team. “You want the right guy that's going to be the right leader and voice for your team,” he commented. Lawrence emphasized the importance of resilience and having a squad capable of handling the ups and downs of the season. He highlighted how the previous coaching staff struggled to deliver this consistency, something he hopes the new head coach will cultivate.
The Jaguars are not only evaluating candidates but also preparing for potential second interviews. The organization aims to solidify its choice quickly but understands the multifaceted nature of coaching hires. It's notable how many top coordinators are involved, indicating the solid depth of talent available this offseason.
While the Jaguars aim to improve their on-field performance, the organization is also aware of the impacts these hiring decisions have on fan engagement and season ticket renewals which have seen fluctuations. Excitement about the upcoming head coach could potentially influence fans’ willingness to invest, especially after recent struggles.
Many fans, including those giving feedback on the franchise's decisions, are optimistic about the coaching search. Several individuals expressed their preferences for candidates like Ben Johnson, touting him as the ideal fit for stepping up the Jaguars' offensive production. Other fans hold varying opinions, encouraging the team to take their time and select the right candidate who can bring effective changes.
Interestingly, the Jaguars have navigated these waters before — the hiring process for head coaches used to be swifter. Over time, media and fans have noted significant shifts toward caution, largely due to expanded rules aimed to support diversity and thoroughness. The league now mandates interviews with specific candidates to widen opportunities for all coaching prospects, including those from diverse backgrounds.
This lengthy process creates tension within the franchise as they balance the urgency for improvement with the desire to make careful, prudent decisions. Following the Jaguars' recent struggles, external opinions point to different potential strategies for finding success going forward.
With numerous interviews scheduled and the need for the right vision, the Jacksonville Jaguars are eagerly on the hunt for their next head coach. Management aims to not only replace Pederson but to establish a new culture emphasizing competitiveness, supported by strategic investment and timely decisions on personnel, which could very well define their upcoming seasons.