The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially embarked on their search for a new head coach following the firing of Doug Pederson after just three seasons. The decision came after the team concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing record of 4-13, placing immense pressure on the organization to find the right fit to lead the team moving forward.
Pederson, who oversaw the Jaguars during some notable moments, including one playoff appearance, ended his tenure with a combined record of 22-29. Following his dismissal, questions began to arise about the direction of the franchise, especially concerning the decision to retain General Manager Trent Baalke, which has drawn scrutiny among commentators and fans alike.
On Tuesday, the Jaguars announced they have requested interviews with several prominent candidates for the head coaching role. Among them is Robert Saleh, who previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets and is known for his strong defensive background. Saleh’s time with the Jets ended midway through the 2024 season when he was fired after overseeing a 2-3 start, culminating in a lackluster 20-36 record during his tenure with the team. Currently, he’s serving as an advisor with the Green Bay Packers as they advance through the playoffs.
Saleh’s history with the Jaguars runs deep; he was their linebackers coach from 2014 to 2016 before transitioning to the 49ers, where he earned acclaim as their defensive coordinator. Despite his challenges with the Jets, his defensive schemes remain respected around the league, and many believe he could bring valuable insight and leadership to Jacksonville.
Alongside Saleh, the Jaguars are examining other names, including Kellen Moore (offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles), Todd Monken (Baltimore Ravens), Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills), Liam Coen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions), Aaron Glenn (also Detroit), and Patrick Graham (Las Vegas Raiders). Each candidate brings their own unique experiences and qualifications, adding intrigue to the Jaguars' search process.
Moore's ascent within coaching circles is noteworthy; he previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, where he gained recognition for revitalizing the team's offensive strategies. Monken, on the other hand, has enjoyed significant success with the Ravens and previously with the University of Georgia, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to national championships.
Brady's coaching career took off during his time with LSU when he led their offense to victory during the 2019 National Championship before heading to the NFL. Johnson has become one of the most sought-after coordinators after leading the Lions to impressive offensive performance. Meanwhile, Glenn has demonstrated resilient defensive leadership through numerous injuries this season.
The Jaguars’ owner, Shad Khan, recently met with the media to discuss the direction of the team post-Pederson. He highlighted the importance of finding the right head coach who could positively influence the team, indicated by the pivotal role quarterback Trevor Lawrence will play throughout the decision-making process. Lawrence’s input is considered invaluable as the team looks to align its offense with his unique skill set.
While the interview requests indicate the Jaguars are casting a wide net, there’s clear uncertainty surrounding the decision-making process with Baalke still present. His retention has raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about how it might affect the dynamic of the new coach’s authority.
The path forward remains unclear for the Jaguars as they sift through potential candidates. Will Saleh return to Jacksonville, where he once thrived as part of the coaching staff? Or will another contender take the helm, reshaping the team’s strategy and identity? Only time will tell as the Jaguars maneuver through this pivotal coaching search.
With no firm timeline set for the hiring process, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring each development as Jacksonville seeks to revitalize their flagging franchise and return to competitive form.