The Five Shocking Reasons Doug Pederson Was Fired By The Jaguars After The 2024 Season Collapse

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have once again reset their coaching clock, making a stunning and decisive move to fire Head Coach Doug Pederson following the disastrous end to the 2024 NFL season. This decision, which came on a Monday after the team finished with a deeply disappointing 4-13 record, marks a swift and brutal end to the tenure of a Super Bowl-winning coach who was once hailed as the savior of Duval County. The firing, which came despite Pederson signing a multi-year contract extension, highlights the extreme pressure on the franchise to capitalize on the presence of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence and signals a new era of instability.

As of December 20, 2025, the Jaguars are now on the hunt for their third head coach in five seasons, a search complicated by the controversial decision to retain General Manager Trent Baalke. The move has sent shockwaves through the NFL, as Pederson was credited with reversing the chaos of the Urban Meyer era and leading the team to an AFC South title in 2022. This article dives deep into the profile of the departing coach, the catastrophic collapse of the 2024 season, and the high-stakes future of the Jaguars franchise.

Doug Pederson: Biography, Playing, and Coaching Career Timeline

Doug Pederson, a Super Bowl LII champion and veteran of the NFL as both a player and coach, brought immediate credibility to the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise when he was hired. His career is marked by a long association with coaching legend Andy Reid and a reputation for developing quarterbacks.

Full Name: Douglas Irvin Pederson
Date of Birth: January 31, 1968
College: Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe)
Playing Career (Quarterback): Played 10 seasons in the NFL (1991-2004) for teams including the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns. He was a backup to Brett Favre for seven seasons in Green Bay.
2005–2008: Head Coach at Calvary Baptist Academy (High School)
2009–2012: Philadelphia Eagles, Assistant Coach (Quality Control Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach)
2013–2015: Kansas City Chiefs, Offensive Coordinator (under Andy Reid)
2016–2020: Philadelphia Eagles, Head Coach (Led team to a Super Bowl LII victory)
2022–2024: Jacksonville Jaguars, Head Coach (Led team to an AFC South title in 2022 and earned AFC Coach of the Year honors)
NFL Head Coaching Record: 64–66–1 regular season (Eagles and Jaguars combined)

The Catastrophic 2024 Season and The Five Key Reasons for the Firing

The firing of Doug Pederson was not based on a single moment but rather a complete organizational failure to meet sky-high expectations in the 2024 season. After the team's dramatic turnaround in 2022 and a strong offseason, the Jaguars were widely predicted to be a contender for the AFC's top seeds. Instead, they stumbled to a 4-13 finish, culminating in the decision by owner Shad Khan.

The team's performance was marked by a stunning late-season collapse that led directly to Pederson's dismissal. The following five factors were the primary drivers behind the decision:

1. The Offensive Regression of Trevor Lawrence

The most critical factor was the stagnation and, at times, regression of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. After a stellar season in 2022, Lawrence struggled with turnovers, consistency, and decision-making throughout the 2024 campaign. The partnership between the "quarterback guru" Pederson and the generational talent Lawrence failed to produce the expected elite-level offense, raising serious questions about the scheme and play-calling.

2. The Stunning Late-Season Collapse

The Jaguars' season unraveled in spectacular fashion. The team had been in contention for the AFC South lead for much of the year, but a string of demoralizing losses saw them fall out of the playoff picture entirely. This collapse included a franchise-worst loss and a final, agonizing overtime defeat to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18, which sealed their 4-13 fate and highlighted a lack of late-game execution and discipline.

3. Failure to Capitalize on Personnel Investments

General Manager Trent Baalke had assembled what was internally referred to as the "best team assembled" in Jacksonville. Key offensive additions, including wide receiver Calvin Ridley, were expected to elevate the offense. However, the unit suffered from operational and timing issues, leading to disappointing production and a failure to maximize the talent on the roster. The team's inability to translate talent into wins was a direct indictment of the coaching staff.

4. The Controversial Retention of GM Trent Baalke

The most contentious aspect of the firing was that Pederson was dismissed while General Manager Trent Baalke was retained. This decision places immense pressure on Baalke, who has now survived the firings of multiple head coaches in his career, including Urban Meyer. Owner Shad Khan's choice to keep the GM, despite the team's poor record and a history of personnel issues, suggests the blame for the team's underperformance was placed squarely on Pederson's coaching and leadership, not the roster construction.

5. Financial and Contractual Instability

Pederson had recently received a multi-year contract extension, a move typically signaling long-term stability and confidence. Firing a coach so soon after an extension is a costly decision that further highlights the depth of the organizational disappointment. The financial commitment the Jaguars must now pay out underscores the urgency of the move and the perceived necessity for a fresh start.

The Aftermath: Trevor Lawrence's Reaction and The Looming Coaching Search

The immediate aftermath of the firing has focused on two major storylines: the reaction of the franchise quarterback and the list of potential candidates for the vacant position. The Jaguars' head coaching job is now one of the most attractive—and most scrutinized—in the NFL.

Trevor Lawrence's Disappointed Response

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was vocal about his disappointment and even hinted at feeling a sense of responsibility for Pederson's fate. Lawrence expressed gratitude for Pederson, particularly for stabilizing the locker room after the "chaos and turmoil" of his rookie year under Urban Meyer. However, he acknowledged the business nature of the NFL and the unfortunate reality of the situation. Lawrence's comments signal a strong desire for stability and a need for the next coach to continue his development.

The Candidate Pool and Baalke's Influence

With a franchise quarterback and a relatively young core of talent, the Jaguars job is highly sought after, but Baalke's continued presence is a concern for many top coaching candidates. The search is expected to be wide-ranging, with the team looking for a leader who can immediately elevate the offense and provide the discipline that was missing in 2024. Early names mentioned in the media as potential targets include:

Steve Spagnuolo: A veteran defensive coordinator with Super Bowl experience and a proven track record of leadership.
Aaron Glenn: The Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator, seen as a rising star and a strong culture-setter.
Other High-Profile Coordinators: The Jaguars will be competing with other teams for top offensive and defensive minds, including those with previous head coaching experience.

The selection of the next head coach will be the most crucial decision of Shad Khan's ownership tenure. The new hire must not only succeed where Pederson failed but also navigate the unique dynamic of working alongside a General Manager who has outlasted multiple coaches. The pressure is on to find a long-term solution that finally brings sustained success to Jacksonville and maximizes the window of opportunity with Trevor Lawrence.

The Five Shocking Reasons Doug Pederson Was Fired By The Jaguars After The 2024 Season Collapse

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