Doug Pederson to get second interview with Jaguars

We obviously have no idea what owner Shahid Khan and embattled general manager Trent Baalke are thinking behind the scenes. Recently, a report surfaced that contract talks with current Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich hit a snag.

The same report indicates that Baalke’s presence within the Jaguars’ organization has been “controversial for some candidates who have expressed reservations about working with” the general manager.

It’s not yet known whether Pederson has these very same reservations. What we do know is that Nathaniel Hackett was also a finalist for the job prior to being hired by the Denver Broncos. As top coaching candidates continue to dwindle, the Jaguars are now facing pressure to make a decision.

All of this is complicated by Baalke’s continued presence.

Earlier in the process, a story broke that Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was a personal favorite of Baalke. Despite this, O’Brien did not become a finalist for the job. On one hand, this is a clear indication that Khan is calling the shots.

On the other hand, former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vic Fangio being considered a candidate for the job points to Baalke having a role in the decision-making process. The two worked together with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14.

Circling back to Doug Pederson for a second. He would absolutely be a great hire for a Jaguars team that has lost 29 of its past 32 games. It would also likely help young quarterback Trevor Lawrence excel under center after the 2021 No. 1 pick struggled big time under the combination of Urban Meyer and Darrell Bevell as a rookie.

Remember, Carson Wentz took off big time early in his career with the Eagles before bombing out big time in 2020. Pederson also did wonders with journeyman quarterback Nick Foles in helping him earn Super Bowl LII MVP honors following an upset win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots back in February of 2018.