Another head coaching position has opened up early Monday morning, with the firing of Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.
After a disappointing season finishing with a record of 4-13, Jacksonville will be looking for a new face to build around quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Co. While some may be quick to think that Pederson won’t be considered for a head coaching job in this years cycle, don’t be surprised if the New Orleans Saints give Pederson a shot at the job.
In 2022 when the team handed the keys to Dennis Allen, Pederson was one of the few candidates to interview with the Saints after taking a year off since his Super Bowl-winning tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. With interest then, would the team be open to bringing Pederson in for an interview?
Historically, Pederson boasts an impressive resume despite a 64-66-1 record as head coach. During his tenure in Philly, Pederson led the Eagles to the playoffs three straight seasons from 2017 to 2019, reaching the Super Bowl in just his second year. A couple years later, Pederson would make his way to Jacksonville immediately turning the team around from a 3-14 season in 2021. Pederson in his first season would finish with a 9-8 record, helping the team clinch their first playoff berth since 2017. Pederson would take the team all the way to the divisional round in the AFC before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs by only a touchdown.
An exceptional start for Pederson to say the least.
Pederson would follow this up with another 9-8 season, but missed the playoffs this time. The expectation was that the team would be able to take that next leap as legitimate contenders in the AFC.
Unfortunately, the team was unable rebound this season ultimately ended up costing Pederson his job in the end. However, with that said there is enough evidence in Pederson’s coaching career that shows his ability to spark life into a franchise.
Something that the Saints desperately need.
When interviewing candidates these next couple of weeks, the league-wide perception is that the team prefers someone with head coaching experience and someone they’re familiar with. Pederson certainly checks the first box and brings a history of success with him, and he could also check the second box depending on what familiarity means for the Saints. Although he does not have direct ties with the team, they do have a good feel for Pederson’s style and what he could bring to a locker room.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5]