Mistakes, they say, are forgivable if you own up to them. But in Jacksonville, patience might be running thinner than their secondary stats. Doug Pederson’s Jaguars are 4-12 heading into their season finale against the Colts, and let’s call the record what it is: YIKES! Pederson isn’t fooling himself either; he knows the writing might already be on the wall.

The Jags’ HC called 2024 his hardest season yet. And considering his Super Bowl-winning resume, that’s saying something. The Jaguars have tied an NFL record with nine one-score losses. Nine! As if Sin City wasn’t enough, are we getting a heartbreak city?

“You go all the way back to high school, middle school, have a season where you had 12 losses — and it’s hard to do,” Pederson said. “The hardest thing probably is just keeping the guys in it each week mentally.” Credit where it’s due: Pederson kept his squad fighting. They’ve won two of their last four games, even if both were against the equally struggling Titans.

They’re also dead last in pass defense, next-to-last in total defense, and managed to score 17 or fewer points in half their games. Oh, and let’s not forget the season-ending injuries to four key offensive starters, including Trevor Lawrence. It’s been a tough year, no question.

So, what’s next? Owner Shad Khan hasn’t tipped his hand. But after telling the team this was “the best Jaguars team ever assembled” with playoff expectations, you have to wonder if he will guide Pederson and GM Trent Baalke towards the big red neon sign, screaming: EXIT! But even if it so, we cannot blame the front office as they have missed playoffs, dashed hopes.

It’s not exactly the resume you want when the boss is watching. The Jaguars’ season finale might just double as Pederson’s farewell tour. Will Khan pull the plug? Or will Jacksonville gamble on one more season under Pederson? Only time will tell. But one thing’s clear: the Jags need more than hope to dig themselves out of this hole.

Pound-for-pound Doug Pederson replacement for the Jaguars?

Let’s just say the Jaguars come to a conclusion with the conclusion of their season that Doug Pederson shouldn’t have the reins no more… Then what next? Or rather, who next? One name buzzing louder than a two-minute drill is the Lions OC Ben Johnson.

Just that introduction is enough to answer your ‘WHY?’. You see, Detroit has cooked this season and devoured their meals themselves like the true Lions of this NFL jungle! So, you can understand the interest in him. But if the Jags decide to say goodbye to Pederson before even securing Johnson, then that’d be a mistake because the Bears might be one step ahead in this race.

If Jacksonville doesn’t make a move fast, Chicago could lock Johnson in to pair with Caleb Williams and rebuild their offense. Risky, huh? Well, the Jags can relax. The Bears’ pitch is enticing, sure, but their messy front office situation might scare off a guy like Johnson. Dan Graziano nailed it when he said any new head coach will need to navigate Chicago’s “power structure.”

Not exactly a dream gig when you’re trying to build a winning program. That’s where Jacksonville could slide in—less drama, better weather, and Trevor Lawrence as your QB. What’s not to like?

Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that Johnson reportedly wants the Jacksonville job if it opens. According to former Jags lineman Greg Huntington, Johnson likes the idea of coaching Lawrence and might even bring Mark Brunell along as QB coach. Imagine that pairing. It’s almost like they’re already drawing up plays in the sand.

The question is: will Shad Khan pull the trigger? Pederson is still projecting confidence he’ll stay, but Jacksonville has to make a decision soon. If they’re serious about landing Johnson, they better act like they’re on fourth-and-goal with the clock ticking down. The stakes couldn’t be higher.