The Jacksonville Jaguars did themselves a favor by firing Urban Meyer before the end of the season.
Given new NFL rules, that allows them to conduct interviews this week.
The Jaguars can speak with unemployed coaches and those who are on staffs right now, given those teams give permission.
The team is reportedly getting the process going with perhaps the most intriguing candidate of all in Doug Pederson.
The #Jaguars will interview Super Bowl-winning former #Eagles head coach Doug Pederson on Thursday, source said. Their first interview as they try to replace HC Urban Meyer.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2021
Going first could have benefits for Pederson if he has a great interview and sets the bar high from the start.
For the Jaguars, it is hard to think of a better candidate for this young team.
A Great Candidate
It is rare to have someone like Pederson on the open market.
And the Jaguars have the benefit of being the only team with a head coaching opening.
So there is no competition at the moment for the former Super Bowl champion head coach.
Pederson is only 53 years old and went 42-37-1 in five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He won a Super Bowl in his second season in town and did so with Nick Foles at quarterback.
If the situation was more stable, Pederson would likely still be in Philadelphia.
He now sits with a perfect opportunity to pair himself up with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.
Pederson can show up and fill the role that Meyer was supposed to take on.
That is the role of an offensive mastermind who can guide his quarterback to great things.
Doug Pederson will interview for the Jaguars head coach position tomorrow. He'd be an absolute gift for their organization.
Good luck, coach!#Eagles pic.twitter.com/Hjln6i7jF1
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) December 29, 2021
The problem with Meyer was that, among other things, he didn’t know how to work with NFL talent.
Not being able to stay out of the headlines did him no favors either.
The Jaguars are going to interview a wide range of candidates and are smart to do just that.
But they may just find their best fit Thursday when talking with Pederson.
NEXT: Watch: NFL Insider Reveals The Jaguars' Top HC Candidates