The Jaguars have fired coach Doug Pederson.
Pederson, in his third season with the franchise, had a disappointing 4-13 record last regular season, and the team also lost 18 of its last 23 games.
Now, as first reported ESPN's Adam SchefterPederson is out of a job because the franchise fired him during the NFL's 'Black Monday.'
Pederson led the Jaguars to the playoffs in his first season in charge, but ultimately ended his tenure in Jacksonville with a 22-29 record as quarterback and 2021 No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence regressed.
In a statement announcing the move, Jaguars owner Shad Khan called Pederson a “consummate football man” and also indicated that general manager Trent Baalke would be retained.
“This morning I had the difficult task of informing Doug Pederson of my intention to hire a new head coach to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Khan began.
“Doug is an accomplished football player who will undoubtedly enjoy another chapter in his impressive NFL career, and I will support Doug and his wife Jeannie when that time comes. As much as Doug and I wish his experience here in Jacksonville had ended better , I have an obligation, first and foremost, to serve the best interests of our team and especially our fans, who faithfully support our team and are overdue to be rewarded. In that spirit, the time has now come to call upon. new leaders.
Doug Pederson was fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars on NFL 'Black Monday'
The Jaguars concluded the regular season with a 26-23 loss to the Colts on Sunday.
'I firmly believe that it is possible to restore next season the winning atmosphere we had here not long ago. I will collaborate with General Manager Trent Baalke and others, within and around our organization, to hire a leader who shares my ambition and is ready to take advantage of the extraordinary opportunity we will offer in Jacksonville.'
Pederson came to Jacksonville after spending five years in the same role with the Eagles, leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl win in the 2017 postseason.
However, he was let go towards the end of the 2020 season with the team just 4-11-1 that year.
He also previously served as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator from 2013-2015.
Jaguars owner Shahid Khan's decision comes a day after Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a statement announcing the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo just minutes after the Week 18 win over the Bills.
There are now five head coaching vacancies in the NFL, with the Jets, Saints and Bears looking for new head coaches in addition to the Jags and Patriots.
The Giants, who will pick No. 3 in the upcoming draft, announced they will retain both head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen after a 3-14 season.
The Dolphins, who also missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record, will also keep head coach Mike McDaniel.
More to follow