NFL Fans Debate Trevor Lawrence’s Appeal for Next Jaguars HC as Doug Pederson Fired

When Doug Pederson took the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching record in 2022, quarterback Trevor Lawrence was seemingly a big draw for the franchise. Now that the Jags are looking for another coach, Lawrence’s appeal could be more limited.

Team owner Shad Khan confirmed Monday that Pederson is out, with general manager Trent Baalke staying in his role. For whoever succeeds Pederson, getting Lawrence’s development back on track will be a primary objective. The 2022 Pro Bowler averaged a career-low 204.5 passing yards this year and was limited to 10 starts due to a sprained AC joint and then a concussion.

Lawrence no longer looks like a can’t-miss franchise star, and that could carry serious implications when his five-year, $275 million extension hasn’t gone into full effect yet.

The reaction on social media seems to be split in the wake of Pederson’s exit. Maybe the 25-year-old signal-caller simply isn’t as good as everyone thought he was coming out of Clemson, or the structure around him could be lacking.

Much more so than Lawrence, Baalke could be a genuine drag on Jacksonville’s attempts to hire the best candidate. He had a checkered track record running the San Francisco 49ers’ front office, and he has even less to show since taking over as the Jags’ permanent GM in 2021.

It would be fair for any prospective coach to have reservations about Baalke’s ability to construct a squad that’s capable of contending.

Hiring Pederson hit all of the right notes and was a great palate cleanser after Urban Meyer’s disastrous run in 2021. He had a 42-37-1 record in five years with the Philadelphia Eagles and guided them to a Super Bowl title in 2017. His offensive expertise made him an ideal fit for Lawrence as well.

All of the optimism that once surrounded the Jaguars has vanished, and Monday’s news—particularly the detail about Baalke—will have the fanbase asking how long the futility will continue.