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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Doug Pederson's Top NFL Landing Spots in 2025 After Being Fired by Jaguars

Andrew PetersJan 6, 2025

After three seasons as the Jaguars head coach, Doug Pederson is out in Jacksonville.

Pederson was fired Monday following the conclusion of the Jaguars' 4-13 season.

Pederson found success during his first season at the helm in Jacksonville, leading the team to the divisional round in 2022 and coming just shy of knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs. He proceeded to miss the playoffs last year and struggled tremendously this season.

Pederson, 56, has the potential to help the right team thrive, whether as a coordinator or in another role. As the coaching carousel heats up, here are a few possible landing spots for Pederson.

Cleveland Browns, Offensive Coordinator

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DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 02:  Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet prior to an NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 2, 2024 in Denver, Colorado (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 02: Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet prior to an NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 2, 2024 in Denver, Colorado (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

It seems a bit unlikely Pederson will jump right back into a head coaching job after how the season went in Jacksonville, but he could get back to his roots as an offensive coordinator and turn some heads next year.

The Cleveland Browns need an offensive coordinator, and Pederson could be the person for the job.

While it's not exactly the most appealing job available right now given Cleveland's uncertainty at quarterback heading into next season, it would make perfect sense for Pederson.

He would get the chance to relinquish some of the pressure that comes with being a head coach and instead focus on playing calls and leading the offense. That's what he did for the Kansas City Chiefs for a few years to earn his first head coaching gig with the Philadelphia Eagles.

It's a low-stakes job for both sides as not many expect Cleveland to be on the rise next year.

Las Vegas Raiders, Offensive Coordinator

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NEW  ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 29: A detail of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on December 29, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 29: A detail of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on December 29, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)

Speaking of low-stakes situations, the Raiders would give Pederson a similar opportunity as the Browns.

Still deep in a rebuild with a first-time head coach, Las Vegas could benefit from some experience on its coaching staff, making Pederson a valuable fit. There are still unknowns about whether the Raiders plan to keep head coach Antonio Pierce or fire him, but once the organization figures out its next move, filling its vacant offensive coordinator slot will be next on the agenda.

Even if the Raiders opt to hire someone else as their offensive coordinator, Pederson could take a lesser role as a quarterbacks coach to help develop young quarterback Aidan O'Connell.

Chicago Bears, Offensive Coordinator

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LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 27: A view of the Chicago Bears logo on a helmet before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 27: A view of the Chicago Bears logo on a helmet before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Hiring the right offensive coordinator won't solve the Chicago Bears' problems.

They'll need to do some work this offseason to get young quarterback Caleb Williams more protection so he actually has time to make the plays the Bears drafted him to make.

If Chicago can do that, the right offensive coordinator could help Williams thrive.

Pederson has experience with young quarterbacks as his first year in Philadelphia lined up with the Eagles drafting Carson Wentz. In Wentz's second year under center, Pederson and Philadelphia finished 13-3 and ultimately won a Super Bowl—though another quarterback, Nick Foles, ended up relieving an injured Wentz to guide the Eagles in the playoffs.

Wentz, now a backup for the Chiefs, had the best years of his career under Pederson from 2016 to 2020.

It would be a stretch to say the Bears could have that kind of success in Year 2 of the Williams era, but Pederson could help get the No. 1 overall pick to where he needs to be in terms of his development.

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