JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Doug Pederson is out as Jacksonville’s head coach. It’s not a surprise after the franchise’s “best team assembled” won just four games this season.
What is surprising was Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s decision to keep general manager Trent Baalke, despite ongoing fan outcry that included a banner flown over EverBank Stadium urging the team to fire the GM.
In a statement, Khan explained that Baalke will be part of the hiring process for the next head coach.
“As much as Doug and I both wish his experience here in Jacksonville would have ended better, I have an obligation first and foremost to serve the best interests of our team and especially our fans, who faithfully support our team and are overdue to be rewarded. In that spirit, the time to summon new leadership is now.
“I strongly believe it is possible next season to restore the winning environment we had here not long ago. I will collaborate with General Manager Trent Baalke and others, within and close to our organization, to hire a leader who shares my ambition and is ready to seize the extraordinary opportunity we will offer in Jacksonville.”
The Jaguars (4-13) ended up with their 10th losing season in Khan’s 13 years as owner.
Now, Khan will hire his sixth head coach; current NFL offensive coordinators Ben Johnson (Detroit) and Liam Coen (Tampa Bay) should top the list.
But would they even agree to work with Baalke, whose draft picks have been mostly suspect and his latest free-agent class is among the worst in franchise history?
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