The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered their fourth consecutive loss of the season on Sunday against the Houston Texans, with rookie quarterback CJ Stroud orchestrating a game-winning drive in the final minutes. Despite scoring a season-high 20 points, the Jaguars are now 0-4, a historically grim record for any team aiming to make the playoffs. Only one team has made the postseason after such a start, raising serious concerns about the direction of the Jaguars—and Doug Pederson’s job security.
Pederson Downplays Job Security Concerns
After the game, head coach Doug Pederson faced questions about whether he’s feeling the heat on the job. When asked directly about his job status for the first time this season, Pederson seemed caught off guard, responding, “My status? Yeah. No. It’s kind of a strange question.” However, as the losses mount, it’s clear that Pederson’s position as head coach is being scrutinized more closely with each passing week.
Beyond his job status, Pederson’s approach to game management has also been questioned. Currently, offensive coordinator Press Taylor calls the plays, a decision Pederson made at the start of the season. In the aftermath of the latest loss, Pederson was asked whether he would consider taking back play-calling duties, a role he held when the team made the playoffs in the past. Pederson stood by Taylor, stating, “I thought he called a great game. We as coaches can’t go out there and make the plays, right? It’s a two-way street.”
Pressure Mounts on Pederson as Team Continues to Struggle
While Pederson defended his coaching staff, the results tell a different story. The Jaguars have now won just one of their last 10 games dating back to last season, and the team’s performance has been far from what was expected. With several missed opportunities to win against the Texans, the Jaguars find themselves in a difficult position as they prepare for upcoming games against the Indianapolis Colts and back-to-back matchups in London.
The Jaguars’ ownership group, led by Shad Khan, will not be pleased if the team continues to struggle, especially during the London games, which are seen as symbolic “home games” for Khan. A winless record entering those matchups would be a significant embarrassment for the franchise.
Financial Investments and Lack of Accountability
The Jaguars’ offseason investments make their 0-4 start even more concerning. The team shelled out major contracts to key players, including a $55 million-per-year deal for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, along with signings of Josh Allen, Tyson Campbell, and Eric Armstead. With so much money on the table, expectations were high, and Pederson’s inability to get results has raised red flags.
One particularly alarming aspect of Pederson’s press conference after the game was his refusal to take accountability. While he defended his coaching decisions, it left many wondering if the head coach is fully grasping the gravity of the situation. With the team underperforming and fans becoming increasingly frustrated, Pederson’s dismissive attitude toward questions about his job security only adds fuel to the fire.
Will Pederson Make Changes to Save His Job?
As the Jaguars continue to struggle, speculation grows over whether Pederson will take back control of play-calling duties as a last-ditch effort to turn the season around. His loyalty to offensive coordinator Press Taylor is well-known, but with the team’s record spiraling, a change in play-calling may be the only way to salvage his position as head coach.
While Shad Khan is known for his patience with coaching staff, an 0-4 start, coupled with the hefty financial commitments the team has made, may test that patience. The next few weeks will be critical for Pederson’s future in Jacksonville. If the team continues to lose, the hot seat may soon become too hot to handle, and changes may be inevitable.