Jaguars owner Khan starts search for new coach

NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars have begun drawing up a shortlist for a new coach in earnest as they look to replace Urban Meyer who was dismissed by owner Shad Khan last month.

It is understood that a number of candidates are in line to take the top job at the Florida-based side, who have named offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell for the rest of the season.

 

Pederson tops the list

According to reports, Doug Pederson is at the top of the list that Khan has in mind, who started his coaching career under Andy Reid as an assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles between 2009-12.

When Reid joined the Kansas City Chiefs, 2013, Pederson joined him as offensive coordinator, before going back to the Eagles as head coach in 2016 for five seasons, steering them to their first Super Bowl title in their history in 2017. The 53-year-old coach has been in the game all of his adult life, playing for 13 seasons as a reserve quarterback.

Meanwhile, Jim Caldwell is another candidate that is reportedly being considered, with Khan keen to get the appointment right. From 2014 to 2017, Caldwell served in the top job for the Detroit Lions, securing two playoff appearances in four seasons, while he led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl appearance in 2009 though they lost to the New Orleans Saints.

 

Disappointing season for Jaguars

There is no doubt that Khan wants someone installed who has pedigree and experience in getting teams to a Super Bowl, though perhaps more importantly, someone who can help to rejuvenate a side who have won just twice all season.

Currently, they are rooted to the bottom of AFC South, having lost seven consecutive matches and will be hoping to finish the season on a high under interim coach Bevell and take the momentum into next season.

Whoever comes in will need to understand the gravity of the task at hand, with the Jaguars no doubt aiming for a better performance campaign in 2022.