"I do think Doug Pederson is in trouble" - Ex-Eagles scout floats Bill Belichick replacing Jaguars HC in 2025 to revive franchise
The Jacksonville Jaguars started their campaign with a narrow 20-17 defeat against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. They led 17-7 at halftime but the offense completely disappeared in the second half and the home team did just enough to secure the win.
It wasn't the start to the season Doug Pederson would've wanted. The veteran head coach is in his third year with the Jaguars and will have to improve on the 9-8 record they managed in the last two campaigns. If they fail to hit double-digits in the wins column, changes could be afoot in Jacksonville.
Former NFL scout John Middlekauff believes the team could even sign the biggest free-agent coach at the end of the season if Doug Pederson is replaced following this season. On the 3 and Out show on YouTube, he said,
"Just a couple of years ago, [Shad] Khan tried to make a huge splash hiring Urban Meyer—obviously blew up in his face. But he’s tried, and then he goes with a less sexy pick. I know Doug’s won a Super Bowl, but if this doesn’t work out, you have to imagine he’d pivot hard and be very, very interested in Bill Belichick, and you’d have to wonder if there’d be some mutual interest back," said Middlekauff."
He noted that the Jaguars' roster may not be to Bill Belichick's liking, but the team has some tools he and his longtime assistant Josh McDaniels could build around. Additionally, the monetary incentive of moving to Florida could be too enticing for the 72-year-old to pass on.
"I do think that Doug, who is a great guy, is in trouble. Because their owner said this is the best team we've ever had. And I think there is tangible pressure on this operation, Doug and Trent Baalke. Anything less than making the playoffs is a disaster... You have to wonder if Trevor Lawrence just looks solid this year and salvageable.
"Bill [Belichick] and his guy, Josh [McDaniels], go, 'Let’s go to Jacksonville. No state income tax, the AFC not as good as the NFC now.' That division is difficult... I think that’s a team we should be keeping an eye on."
Belichick has been enjoying life since leaving the New England Patriots. He has made appearances on TV shows and signed up for a weekly segment on the Underdog Fantasy podcast. However, coaching remains his priority.
Bill Belichick eyeing a return to the sideline in 2025
Last week, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach's media ventures and social media debut are not signs of him preparing to hang up his coaching cleats. Instead, he's keen on returning to coaching in 2025, but won't make a hasty decision. Schefter wrote,
"The six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach still would like to return to coaching in 2025, but only in the right situations with good jobs. Belichick is expected to be choosy if and when he returns to the sideline, according to sources."
Barring a handful, no current head coach's job is guaranteed beyond this season due to Belichick's availability. The eight-time Super Bowl champion is hunting for a new job, putting a slew of head coaches, potentially Doug Pederson, on the hot seat.