Somebody may wish to cue in ESPN’s graphics division on a broadly anticipated teaching change anticipated to transpire within the AFC South, not its NFC counterpart.
When discussing a number of coaches on the new seat coming into the ultimate slate of regular-season video games this week on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter turned the dialog to Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, who is anticipated to be dismissed following a dismal 2024 marketing campaign.
Though Schefter conveyed that Jacksonville is more likely to make a transfer, the banner behind him prompt in any other case, as a photograph of Pederson — clad in Jaguars gear — was displayed below the Panthers’ emblem.
Carolina coach Dave Canales will end his rookie season on the helm towards Atlanta in Week 18.
Regardless of a shaky begin to the 12 months, which included the benching of final 12 months’s No. 1 total choose, quarterback Bryce Younger, the Panthers have displayed promise down the stretch and it’s possible Canales returns for 2025.
If the Panthers high the Falcons on Sunday, Carolina can conclude the season at 5-12 — an enchancment from their 2-15 end final 12 months.
However the wheels got here off in Jacksonville this season, Pederson’s third 12 months as head coach.
The Jaguars opened the season at 0-4 earlier than getting their first win in October, a slender 37-34 victory over the Colts.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was positioned on injured reserve in December with a concussion following a vicious hit by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was subsequently suspended for 3 video games.
Lawrence, the Jaguars’ No. 1 total choose in 2021, later underwent surgical procedure to restore an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, paving the way in which for backup Mac Jones to begin.
The Jaguars enter Sunday’s recreation towards the Colts at 4-12.
Pederson, a Tremendous Bowl-winning coach with the Eagles, spoke Friday about how difficult 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 mentioned, as reported by ESPN.
Pederson, 56, additionally acknowledged this might be his final 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 mentioned.
Pederson’s regular-season teaching report stands at 64-65-1.
