Report: Jaguars 'Quietly' Laid Groundwork for HC Search amid Pederson Firing Rumors

The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly already preparing to move on from head coach Doug Pederson.

The Jaguars have "quietly started laying the groundwork for a coaching search," sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones added that Pederson "is almost certainly coaching his last game in Jacksonville, and many of his assistant coaches have been preparing as though they'll need new jobs soon."

Per Jones, general manager Trent Baalke's status with the team going forward is uncertain, but there is "expectation has been there will be a full housecleaning in Jacksonville."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also recently reported that "the prevailing theme leaguewide" is that Khan could make replacing Pederson more attractive by moving on from Baalke and offering "a proverbial clean slate."

Jacksonville has recorded just four wins, all against teams with losing records, through Week 17 of Baalke and Pederson's third season with the team.

Pederson acknowledged when speaking with reporters on Friday that the 2024 season could be his "last one."

"If this is the last one then I can look back and go 'hey, it's a great run,'" Pederson said on Friday, per NBC Sports' Josh Alper. "You had a chance to do a lot of great things. You had a chance to win a Super Bowl. You coached some great players, you played in this league for a long time.

"Whatever happens, happens. We keep moving forward."

Part of the uncertainty as to Pederson and Baalke's futures stems from Jaguars owner Shad Khan's "hands-off" approach to leading the team, according to Jones.

Jones recently reported that a team source said Khan "hasn't given anyone the time of day" when inquiring about potential head coaching and GM openings.

"Because Khan has thwarted any attempts at contact from would-be coaches and GMs, the Jags would seemingly be behind the rest of the teams who are preparing for changes," Jones wrote.

Jones added that "sources believe the Jags will hire a search firm to assist them" in their search.

Russini named Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver as potential candidates for head coach.

The Jaguars could meanwhile end up with a top-five pick depending on the Week 18 results. Although Baalke recently landed a stellar selection in Brian Thomas Jr., other draft decisions including his choice to pass over Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 could lead Khan to hand the decision over to another leader this spring.