The Jacksonville Jaguars officially opened the door for the 10th head coach in franchise history on Monday morning, firing Doug Pederson after three seasons and a combined 23-30 record (including playoffs).
The move was widely expected after the Jaguars stumbled to a disastrous 2-9 start in 2024. Somewhat shocking to the NFL world — and especially Jaguars fans — though was owner Shad Khan announcing his plans to retain and “collaborate” with general manager Trent Baalke in the hiring process moving forward.
In the eyes of Pete Prisco, who covers the Jaguars for CBS Sports: “I can tell you this with 100-percent certainty: The Jaguars fan base wanted Baalke out far more than they wanted Pederson out — and they didn’t want him back either.”
Added Prisco: “Trent Baalke staying in Jacksonville is absurd. He is the problem. Who wants to work with him?”
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That’s a shared sentiment throughout league circles. Jordan Schultz, an NFL insider for FOX Sports, cited multiple sources Monday who believe the Jaguars will “struggle to attract a top head coach” during this cycle with Baalke entrenched as the GM.
There is pure shock around NFL circles that the #Jaguars opted to keep GM Trent Baalke.
“Unreal.”
“Makes no sense.”
“What has he done to survive two head coaches?”
“The job is not as coveted with Trent there.”
And much more. Many NFL people stunned. https://t.co/bebS5DEMbr
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 6, 2025
Jaguars fans, as you might expect, were equally baffled and angered by Monday’s announcement. Some expressed a desire to cancel season tickets. Others credited superstar rookie Brian Thomas Jr. with saving Baalke’s job. Just about all are wondering what happened to reports that Baalke would consider retirement this offseason.
Unless Khan has a sudden (and extremely unlikely) change of heart, Baalke will be pulling the strings on yet another draft — Jacksonville will be on the clock at No. 5 overall this April — and free agent class. He will need to start hitting more home runs (Brian Thomas Jr.) than singles (Devin Lloyd, Anton Harrison, Walker Little) in the draft to ease the heavy concerns of the fan base. Baalke’s 2024 free agent class was a disaster, with the team spending $130 million on the likes of DT Arik Armstead, CB Ronald Darby, WR Gabe Davis, return man Devin Duvernay, center Mitch Morse and safety Darnell Savage. That must improve in short order as well.
Half measures are rarely the answer for struggling NFL franchises, but to the chagrin of just about everyone, that appears to be the path forward for Jacksonville.
