Jaguars hire Doug Pederson as head coach

The Jacksonville Jaguars are hiring former Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson to be their new head coach, the team announced Thursday.

"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 wrote. "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."

The 54-year-old beat out former Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia for the job, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich removed himself from consideration for the position after stating that he couldn't work with Jacksonville general manager Trent Baalke, sources told John Reid of the Florida Times-Union.

Pederson was the first candidate the Jaguars interviewed back in December. The native of Bellingham, Washington, had his follow-up meeting Tuesday.

The Eagles made three playoff appearances in five seasons under Peterson from 2016-20, posting a 42-37-1 record and winning Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots.

Philadelphia fired Pederson after the team went 4-11-1 during the 2020 season.

Pederson began his coaching career with the Eagles as an offensive quality control coach in 2009 before spending two years as a quarterbacks coach from 2011-12. He served as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator from 2013-15 before rejoining Philadelphia as head coach.

Jacksonville dismissed previous head coach Urban Meyer after 13 games following multiple conflicts with players and coaches. He posted a 2-11 record with the Jaguars.

Pederson will be tasked with mentoring 2021 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence struggled in his rookie campaign, throwing for 3,641 yards and 12 touchdowns while tying for the league high with 17 interceptions.

The Jaguars' offense averaged just 305.4 yards and a league-worst 14.9 points per game last season.