Someone might want to cue in ESPN’s graphics department on a widely anticipated coaching change expected to transpire in the AFC South, not its NFC counterpart.
When discussing several coaches on the hot seat entering the final slate of regular-season games this week on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter turned the conversation to Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, who is expected to be dismissed following a dismal 2024 campaign.
Although Schefter conveyed that Jacksonville is likely to make a move, the banner behind him suggested otherwise, as a photo of Pederson — clad in Jaguars gear — was displayed under the Panthers’ logo.
Carolina coach Dave Canales will finish his rookie season at the helm against Atlanta in Week 18.
Despite a shaky start to the year, which included the benching of last year’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers have displayed promise down the stretch and it’s probable Canales returns for 2025.
If the Panthers top the Falcons on Sunday, Carolina can conclude the season at 5-12 — an improvement from their 2-15 finish last year.
But the wheels came off in Jacksonville this season, Pederson’s third year as head coach.
The Jaguars opened the season at 0-4 before getting their first win in October, a narrow 37-34 victory over the Colts.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was placed on injured reserve in December with a concussion following a vicious hit by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was subsequently suspended for three games.
Lawrence, the Jaguars’ No. 1 overall pick in 2021, later underwent surgery to repair an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, paving the way for backup Mac Jones to start.
The Jaguars enter Sunday’s game against the Colts at 4-12.
Pederson, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Eagles, spoke Friday about how challenging this season has been.
“It was tough just to maintain the focus and the drive and each week be competitive, and still give ourselves opportunities to win games,” he said, as reported by ESPN.
Pederson, 56, also recognized this could be his last go-around.
“If this is the last one, then I can look back and go, ‘Hey, it was a great run. You had a chance to do a lot of great things. You had a chance to win a Super Bowl. You’ve coached some great players. You played in this league for a long time.’” he said.
Pederson’s regular-season coaching record stands at 64-65-1.
Credit: Source link
