Doug Pederson reportedly spoke with the Jaguars about their head coach opening.

In addition, he’s being linked to the Bears, Broncos, and Vikings:

Some thoughts on each of these as a possible Doug fit:

  • Jaguars: top draft pick, franchise quarterback in place, locker room in need of a veteran “players’ coach” after the Urban Meyer debacle, great weather, not a bloodthirsty or overzealous fan base
  • Bears: Justin Fields is in place, but the overall offense needs work, shit weather, high expectations for one of the classic NFL franchises in a huge market
  • Vikings: great skill position players in Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, defense needs work and Kirk Cousins is a question mark at the QB spot
  • Broncos: solid defense, good fans out there, but kind of similar to Minnesota in that a franchise quarterback is not in place and that really matters more than anything

Looking down the list, I think Jacksonville is the best landing spot. They’ve got the best outlook at QB, unless you like Justin Fields and think he can be the guy going forward. Doug isn’t going to be under huge pressure to win right away in Duuuuuval, and won’t be scrutinized like he would in those NFC North markets. Denver doesn’t seem like the best fit, having to play Mahomes and Herbert twice a year, though they’ve got the 9th overall pick and could use it on Kenny Pickett or Matt Coral or whomever rises up the board between now and April. Minnesota could also go QB at #12, so I think Doug’s preference would probably hinge on whether he can attach himself to another promising quarterback.