After Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich’s declined the position, the Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Doug Pederson as their new head coach.
The 54-year-old Pederson was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-20 and led the team to its only Super Bowl victory following the 2017 season (Super Bowl 52). The team made the playoffs in three of his five seasons in Philly.
The Jaguars also interviewed former Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, among others.
Leftwich, 42, had two interviews with the team and appeared to be the leading candidate before the search expanded. Rumors swirled that talk hit the skids because Leftwich preferred not to work with Jags GM Trent Baalke.
Other reports even said the Jaguars engaged former Vikings GM Rick Spielman about a front-office role. But, alas, it wasn’t in the cards; which seems like a missed opportunity, as Leftwich was drafted in the first round by Jacksonville in 2003 and played QB there for four seasons.
With Tampa, Leftwich presided over one of the NFL’s top-scoring offenses for three seasons, working with Tom Brady the last two years, including the Super Bowl 55 win.
Pederson was the first candidate the Jaguars interviewed after moving on from the scandal-ridden Urban Meyer. Following the announcement, Jags QB Trevor Lawrence tweeted, “Let’s get to work. … Great days ahead.”
The Saints last week requested permission to speak to Leftwich about their head coaching vacancy, which is open for the first time in 15 seasons following Sean Payton’s January 25 resignation.
Leftwich has made it known that he wants to be patient and not rush into any job. So don’t expect a resolution on this anytime soon.
