The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a messed-up season, not only athletically but also in the dressing room. New head coach Doug Pederson needs to address the interpersonal issues above all else.

Munich – Doug Pederson is in demand in the preparation for the new season not only as a coach, but above all as a psychologist. The short but extremely chaotic era of Urban Meyer last season has left its mark.

Pederson has to manage the balancing act between coming to terms with the past and building the future. In recent years, the Jaguars have always had negative season balances, with the last positive one coming in 2017.

The last two years in particular were tough, with a 1-15 and a 3-14 season. Add to that the scandals surrounding former coach Meyer in 2021 – the Jaguars couldn’t get out of the negative headlines, the booth was morally like a shambles.

Starting in the players’ heads

Pederson therefore wants to start not only on the pitch but also in the minds of his players. “I think the situation and everything that happened last year has to be healed somehow because I think the confidence that was broken is not there anymore,” Pederson said. “For me it’s about getting the confidence back and they have to see it through me,” Pederson said.

Helpful in refreshing the team culture, mentality and psyche should also be the rookies, especially as linebackers Chad Muma and Devin Lloyd and, of course, No. 1 pick Travon Walker will compete for spots as starters and contribute accordingly.

The team needs to see the transparency, the honesty, Pederson stressed. “I’ve always said I’m going to be open with them and I want them to be open with me. It comes down to communication and having an open line with each other.” The beginnings have been made, as the new coach revealed. “The boys have embraced it and are doing well,” he said.

Doug Pederson wants to see improvement

Despite that, Pederson is tempering expectations. “We’re still in the offseason and the squad is not set yet, we want to see incremental improvement every day, whether it’s in practices or as a team. That’s what you look for right now with the young players, to see how they fit in and how they interact with the veterans. “