Doug Pederson addresses his job status after Jaguars’ embarrassing loss
Aug 12, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson looks on during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday put together the type of performance that can get a head coach fired, but Doug Pederson insists he is not thinking about that after his team’s latest loss.
The Lions pounded the Jaguars 52-6 at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Jacksonville has now lost four consecutive games. Prior to Sunday’s game, there was a report that indicated a bad loss against the Lions in Week 11 might be enough to cost Pederson his job.
Pederson was asked after the game about the possibility that he has coached his last game in Jacksonville. The 56-year-old said he is focused solely on preparing to face the Houston Texans following the Jaguars’ Week 12 bye.
“I can’t control that,” Pederson said. “Listen, I’ve been around this league a long time. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen obviously. But at the same time, I have a job to do.”
Doug Pederson on whether today’s 52-6 loss to Detroit may have been his final game as #Jaguars coach: “I can’t control that. Listen, I’ve been around this league a long time. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen obviously. But at the same time, I have a job to do.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 17, 2024
Mac Jones made his second consecutive start for the Jaguars on Sunday, as Trevor Lawrence has been out with a shoulder injury. Even with his starting quarterback out, it would be difficult for Pederson to justify losing by nearly 50 points. That is the type of thing that happens when a team is no longer putting forth a legitimate effort, which reflects poorly on the head coach.
The Jaguars fell to 2-9 with the loss. They got off to an 8-3 start last season before finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. There was some talk earlier this season about Pederson possibly losing the locker room.
