The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, the team announced Thursday night.
Jacksonville had interviewed several candidates, including Buccaneers OC and former Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich, who reportedly took himself out of consideration for the job.
Pederson will take over for Urban Meyer, who the team fired in December after less than one season. Darrell Bevell was named the interim head coach for the rest of the 2021 season.
“Doug Pederson four years ago won a Super Bowl as head coach of a franchise in pursuit of its first world championship,” owner Shad Khan said via a press release from the team. “I hope Doug can replicate that magic here in Jacksonville, but what is certain is his proven leadership and experience as a winning head coach in the National Football League. It’s exactly what our players deserve. Nothing less.
“Combine this with his acumen on the offensive side of the ball, and you have why I am proud to name Doug Pederson the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I know our fans will warmly welcome Doug and his family to Duval, and I personally look forward to having Doug as part of everything we envision for the team, downtown, and community in the years ahead.”
Pederson, 54, joins the Jaguars after most recently spending five seasons as the head coach (2016-20) of the Philadelphia Eagles, compiling a 46-39-1 record during the regular season and postseason. During his time in Philadelphia, the Eagles made the postseason in three consecutive seasons (2017-19) and won two NFC East titles (2017 and 2019). In 2017, Pederson led the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl Championship in Super Bowl LII with a 41-33 victory against the Patriots.
Ultimately, Pederson was fired by the Eagles following the 2020 season after Philadelphia finished 4-11-1. He would sit out the 2021 season.
Before arriving in Philadelphia, Pederson served as the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013-15, helping the team post a 31-17 regular-season record over three seasons.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Pederson played quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns.
