The NFL season still has two weeks remaining but a new rule is helping out teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars fired Urban Meyer after 13 games and the new rule mentioned here is one that allows teams to begin head coaching interviews with two weeks left in the season.
Interviews can be conducted virtually with coaches who are on staffs elsewhere, as long as permission is given by those other organizations.
Teams can also talk to unemployed coaches, which is always the case.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed a few names the Jaguars are targeting from the start.
From @GMFB: The #Jaguars coaching search is set to begin, while the #Chiefs await word on a key test for RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (collarbone) . pic.twitter.com/ugIAIX50BS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2021
Doug Pederson and Jim Caldwell are both on the reported list, with current Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich mentioned as a name to watch as well.
Names With Experience
Landing Pederson would be a huge win for the Jaguars organization.
He won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles and likely would have stuck around longer if Carson Wentz could have stayed healthy.
Alas, he spent a year away from the game and that time has morphed him into a premier head coaching candidate.
Where will former Eagles HC Doug Pederson land his next coaching job?#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/DNFyAekx1Z
— JAKIB Media Sports (@JAKIBMedia) December 15, 2021
He went 42-37-1 in five seasons with the Eagles and made the playoffs three times.
Pederson also comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree and being able to interview him first is a big win for the Jaguars.
Caldwell is another coach whose stock is rising even with inactivity.
He was most recently the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2014-2017, only to be fired after compiling a 36-28 record in four seasons.
The Lions may still be regretting that decision.
Caldwell may represent the safer choice, but the Jaguars must remember he is 66 years old.
Landing Pederson could achieve the goal of getting a coach in place who could be around for a decade or more.
However, at this point, the Jaguars just need a head coach who knows how to act in an NFL locker room.
Leave a Reply