The Jacksonville Jaguars are barrelling towards some massive organizational changes, and it may only be a matter of time. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jaguars owner Shahid Khan is expected to move on from head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke due to the team's struggles this season, and he could do so as soon as this week.
A tough season in Jacksonville could get tougher, as a loss today could spark an eventual regime change.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2024
My story: https://t.co/y2JQh9YOishttps://t.co/y2JQh9YOis
Rapoport posits that a particularly humiliating loss against the Detroit Lions could be enough to seal Baalke and Pederson's fate during the Jaguars' Week 12 bye. Unfortunately for them, the 8-1 Lions are arguably the NFL's most dominant team: They sport a league-best +113 point differential over nine games.
Baalke joined the Jaguars in 2021 and oversaw Pederson's hiring in 2022. Together, the duo has amassed a 20-24 record, and given that the Jaguars are 2-8, that mark could get a lot worse before the season is out.
Getting a head start on the 2025 season could benefit the Jaguars. They should be an appealing destination for top head coaching candidates due to the presence of 2021 first-overall pick Trevor Lawrence. Clearing the path now could help them eventually land one of this offseason's big fish.
Former New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick is reportedly eager to get back into coaching, and the Jaguars' relatively low profile could be quite enticing for the six-time Super Bowl champion. Parting ways with Baalke would also allow the Jaguars to offer Belichick the total authority he covets.
Even a miraculous turnaround and a lengthy winning streak will likely not be enough to get the Jaguars into the playoffs, so it would behoove them to rip off the band-aid sooner rather than later. Pederson and Baalke's days are clearly numbered. It's better to move on now than drag out the process.
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