The Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten off to a nightmare start this season, but head coach Doug Pederson insists any talk of his players giving up on him is nonsense.
During an appearance on the “Sharp Football Show” Tuesday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz described the Jaguars as “completely rudderless” in the wake of the team’s 0-4 start. Schultz also said he was told by more than one player that Pederson has lost the locker room.
“I’ve talked to a few guys in that locker room over the last two weeks, not just (after) the Texans game but the last couple weeks, and they’ve told me that that locker room is gone in regards to the head coach,” Schultz said.
Pederson was asked about the report during his Wednesday press conference. The 56-year-old coach shot it down.
“I would know. I talk to these guys every day. I see them every day and, no, I have not lost the locker room,” Pederson said. I think these guys have done everything I’ve asked. They continue to play and practice hard and battle and it’s a good group, the right leaders in there. They know what we need to do. They’re not making excuses for it and I’m not gonna make excuses. We just gotta go do it.”
Doug Pederson in response to @Schultz_Report’s report that he has “lost the locker room”
“Yeah I would know. I talk to these guys every day. I see them every day. And no, I have not ‘lost the locker room.’”
(Question via @APMarkLong) #Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/gWxIakxyCo
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) October 2, 2024
The Jaguars went 9-8 in their first two seasons under Pederson. They seem to have taken a big step back this year. What is particularly concerning is that Pederson is an offensive-minded coach, and Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville’s offense have looked lost throughout much of the first month of the season.
Following the Jaguars’ 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, Pederson was asked if he is concerned about his job status. He for some reason thought that was an odd question.
Jacksonville has plenty of time to turn things around, but Pederson will almost certainly find himself on the hot seat if the current trend continues. There have already been rumblings about one very prominent coach replacing him, and that speculation will only grow if the Jags continue to struggle.
