It’s Doug Pederson: Jaguars wrap up lengthy search with brilliant conclusion

By Hays Carlyon

It’s over.

And it ended well.

According to multiple reports, Jaguars owner Shad Khan has hired Doug Pederson to be the team’s next head coach.

Pederson led Philadelphia to the Super Bowl triumph following the 2017 regular season and is easily the most accomplished professional head coach the franchise has ever hired.

The 54-year-old Pederson compiled a 42-37-1 record with the Eagles, including a 4-2 mark in the playoffs from 2016-20. He took last season off after Philadelphia fired him.

Pederson’s task will be to fully develop second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who struggled as a rookie in a toxic environment created by former coach Urban Meyer after being selected first in the draft. Meyer was fired Dec. 16. The Jaguars finished the season 3-14 and have the No. 1 pick again.

Khan’s search was puzzling, but ultimately ended with the Jaguars landing the most accomplished coach of the so-far six opening filled around the league.

Khan released the following statement through the team.

“Doug Pederson four years ago won a Super Bowl as head coach of a franchise in pursuit of its first world championship,” Khan said. “I hope Doug can replicate that magic here in Jacksonville, but what is certain is his proven leadership and experience as a winning head coach in the National Football League. It’s exactly what our players deserve. Nothing less.

“Combine this with his acumen on the offensive side of the ball, and you have why I am proud to name Doug Pederson the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I know our fans will warmly welcome Doug and his family to Duval and I personally look forward to having Doug as part of everything we envision for the team, downtown and community in the years ahead.”

Now we will wait to find out what Khan has in mind in terms of the power structure.

However, even if Trent Baalke remains in place as general manager, landing Pederson is a massive upgrade for the franchise.

There will be no deep dives on how the NFL works.

Pederson played quarterback in the NFL for 10 years.

He was an offensive coordinator for three years in Kansas City under Andy Reid from 2013-15 before the Eagles hired him.

He’s hoisted the Lombardi Trophy – with Nick Foles at quarterback.

Khan faced an 0-and-2 count with a couple bad swings. But, he accomplished his task.

He’s hit a home run by acquiring Pederson.

Hopefully, Khan gives Pederson roster control over Baalke.

Pederson should be in charge of putting the players around Lawrence to help him achieve his promise.

Take a deep breath.

The search is over and the Jaguars won.

(You can email Hays at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @HaysCarlyon).