Jacksonville, Fla. — Doug Pederson’s tenure as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars has come to an end after the franchise's much-touted "best team assembled" managed just four wins this season. Owner Shad Khan announced Pederson’s firing on Monday, a day after the team’s 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts, marking the 18th defeat in their last 23 games.

Khan's decision, despite one year remaining on Pederson's contract, follows months of optimistic declarations about the team's potential. Back in August, he had excitedly claimed this season would showcase the team's best performance ever. “Winning now” was Khan’s driving principle, especially after investing almost half a billion dollars in significant player contracts, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence and others.

In a statement, Khan acknowledged the hardship of the decision, indicating that while he respects Pederson's accomplishments, it was time for new leadership: “As much as Doug and I both wish his experience here in Jacksonville would have ended better... the time to summon new leadership is now” (AP News).

This season concluded with the Jaguars finishing 4-13, adding another losing record to Khan's tenure with the team, which has seen ten losing seasons in his thirteen years as owner. As Pederson departs, Khan's supporters are wondering who will take the reins next, especially with general manager Trent Baalke remaining in place—an unusual decision given the team's issues this season.

Under Pederson, who was hired in 2022, the Jaguars initially saw success, finishing with a 9-8 record and achieving playoff qualification in his first year. However, the Jaguars' performance faltered in the following two seasons, culminating in an especially troubling final stretch of 1-5 during this season, causing frustration among fans and players alike ([The Guardian]).