Fan reaction: Former Eagles’ Head Coach Doug Pederson hired as Jags Head Coach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fans are reacting to the news that former Philadelphia Eagles’ Head Coach Doug Pederson will be the new head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Action News Jax received the following statement from team owner Shad Khan late Thursday night:

“Doug Pederson four years ago won a Super Bowl as head coach of a franchise in pursuit of its first world championship. 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. Combine this with his acumen on the offensive side of the ball, and you have why I am proud to name Doug Pederson the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. I know our fans will warmly welcome Doug and his family to Duval and I personally look forward to having Doug as part of everything we envision for the team, downtown and community in the years ahead.”

Fan reaction to the Jags’ new hire is pretty mixed online. Some said they believe Pederson is a good hire, while another added it won’t matter if Trent Baalke is still the general manager. Others also said the Jags and the NFL should be ashamed at the lack of minority coaches, with one fan saying he would’ve been more excited with former Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich.

Leftwich was interviewed for the position and was a front-runner, but reports stated Thursday that he was removing himself from consideration.

Pederson, 54, replaces Urban Meyer, who was fired after a tumultuous season on and off the field. Meyer was replaced after 13 games as the Jaguars went 2-11.

Pederson, a 12-year NFL veteran who was a former quarterback, was the head coach for the Eagles from 2016 to 2020 but was fired last offseason.

He was inactive during the 2021 season and was the first head coaching candidate the Jaguars interviewed.

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