Shad Khan “still believes” in Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke even after the Jaguars 1-4 start to 2024 season
Jaguars owner Shad Khan trusts Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke to turn the season around based on their past results.
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(L) Doug Pederson and (R) Shad Khan (Image via ESPN)
The Jaguars defeated divisional rivals the Indianapolis Colts in week 5, but that was their first W of the season. In fact, it was the Jaguars’ first win in nine games, stretching back to December 2023. By now some owners would have fired the coaching staff, but Shad Khan has complete faith in head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke.
On Sunday, the Jaguars traveled to London for their annual NFL fixture at Wembley Stadium. Before the game, Khan spoke with Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times Union. Harvey asked the veteran owner whether firing Pederson and the Baalke ever crossed his mind.
No. Not at all… I still believe in them. I believe in the players, I believe in the coaching staff, [and] I believe in Trent [Baalke].
Shad Khan acknowledged
The main reason for Khan’s optimism revolves around the growth of the franchise. Since taking charge in 2012, the Jags secured back-to-back winning seasons in 2022 and 2023, both under Doug Pederson. In 2022, they started poorly, but eventually won the AFC South and played post-season football. The following season, they were on course for their best-ever points tally but capitulated during the latter half and ended up missing the playoffs.
The progression of the Jags team in the last few seasons has kept Khan’s belief in the coaching staff strong.
I expect us to be competitive and winning every year… I think [the Jaguars are] headed in the right direction in a good way.
Shad Khan said
"I still believe in them. I believe in the players, I believe in the coaching staff. I believe in Trent…" #Jaguars owner Shad Khan remains steadfast in support of Doug Pederson, Trent Baalke
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) October 12, 2024
Another part of my exclusive interview: https://t.co/Rs7Dbz6W1r via @jaxdotcom
Shad Khan’s Jaguars’ London adventure
Ever since the NFL began hosting games outside of the country, no team has taken more international trips than the Jaguars. The week 6 fixture against the Chicago Bears will be the Jags’ 12th game in the English capital.
Their first game was a 42-10 loss to the 49ers on October 27, 2013. However, Pederson’s men won during their last visit by beating the Buffalo Bills 25-20. Now in week 6, they’ll take on the Chicago Bears.
Welcome to The Grove pic.twitter.com/c0u4NCA1wV
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) October 12, 2024
The Bears do pose a similar challenge to the Bills last season. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the Bears to a dominating 36-10 win against the Carolina Panthers last week. Williams completed 20-29 for 304 yards and threw 2 touchdowns.
Historically, the Bears have dominated the fixture. In eight games dating back to 1995, the Windy City franchise has won five occasions, while the Duval nation witnessed three from their side. The Jags need quarterback Trevor Lawrence to rediscover his early season form last campaign if they wish to salvage a victory, even though the Bears are -0.5 points favorites to secure a win.
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Ishan Misra
(3023 Articles Published)