Jacksonville, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars are embarking on a coaching search with unprecedented transparency in the team’s history. On Tuesday, the organization publicly announced a list of eight candidates they plan to interview, following the dismissal of head coach Doug Pederson after three seasons.
The group of interviewees comprises five current NFL offensive coordinators, namely Joe Brady from Buffalo, Liam Coen from Tampa Bay, Ben Johnson from Detroit, Todd Monken from Baltimore, and Kellen Moore from Philadelphia. Two defensive coordinators, Aaron Glenn of Detroit and Patrick Graham from Las Vegas, are also in the mix. Additionally, Robert Saleh, who previously served as head coach of the New York Jets and is currently an assistant with the Green Bay Packers, is included. Notably, Saleh worked as a linebackers coach for the Jaguars from 2014 to 2016, while Monken contributed as the team’s receivers coach from 2007 to 2010.
The decision to part ways with Pederson came after a dismal performance leading to 18 losses in 23 games, largely attributed to significant injuries affecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Christian Kirk, as well as a defense that deteriorated under first-year coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Team owner Shad Khan expressed his belief that the Jaguars had become “the most predictable team on both sides of the ball” in the NFL and stated his desire for the next head coach to foster unpredictability and innovation.
Khan emphasized that the presence of general manager Trent Baalke would not impede the search for a new coach, despite the fact that three of Baalke’s five coaching collaborations have ended in one-year tenures. “We have a very strong case to present to potential head coaches,” Khan remarked Monday. He highlighted aspects such as the team’s promising players, draft standing, salary cap flexibility, city advantages, and a substantial stadium renovation in the works.
Despite a 4-13 season record, the Jaguars boast a promising young quarterback in Lawrence, an emerging star receiver in Brian Thomas Jr., several defensive assets like cornerback Tyson Campbell, and pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. They also benefit from a relatively new practice facility and have plans for a $1.4 billion stadium upgrade. On top of that, the team holds the fifth overall pick in the upcoming April draft and possesses around $50 million in salary-cap space for the 2025 season. Playing in the AFC South, often regarded as the weakest division in the NFL, adds to their attractiveness, especially with the absence of a state income tax.
However, Khan has committed the team to playing at least one home game in London each year, which could complicate their competitive edge, particularly during the 2026 season when reduced capacity home games are planned, followed by a year away from Jacksonville in 2027. Another challenge for the Jaguars is the presence of several aging veterans, including Kirk, defensive end Arik Armstead, tight end Evan Engram, linebacker Foye Oluokun, center Mitch Morse, and guard Brandon Scherff, which raises questions about the team’s overall identity.
“There’s a lot of promising young talent on this team,” Baalke stated. “There’s a bright future ahead, and our fans truly deserve to see a winning team. That’s our goal every day. We’re committed to making this transformation happen swiftly, and we have the right people in place to execute that vision.”
