Doug Pederson trying to restore Jacksonville Jaguars players trust broken by Urban Meyer

When he accepted the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching job in February, Doug Pederson knew there would be plenty of challenges ahead.

A defensive unit had to be significantly upgraded, quarterback Trevor Lawrence needed to be surrounded with more playmakers, and playing a 17-game schedule that includes games against the Chiefs, Cowboys and Titans after going 3-14 last season is daunting. 

But an even more significant challenge for Pederson is helping his team heal from last season's Urban Meyer disaster. He's got to gain back the trust of the players that was broken by Meyer because of his numerous missteps and lack of transparency that led to a toxic working environment.

And while Pederson and his staff are doing everything possible to establish a new culture built on trust, communication and good character, the Jaguars' 2021 mess with Meyer has extended into 2022.

Former kicker Josh Lambo filed a lawsuit last week in the 4th Judicial Court in Duval County against the team, claiming his performance suffered due to being kicked and verbally abused by Meyer. Lambo, who was released by the Jaguars last October, is seeking his $3.5 million salary in 2021.

In an interview with USA Today earlier this month, Jaguars owner Shad Khan acknowledged his firing of Meyer after 13 games last season had nothing to do with the won-loss record (2-13).

"When you lose the respect, the trust, and an issue of truthfulness, how can you work with someone like that?" said Khan, who attended Saturday's rookie minicamp at TIAA Bank Field. "It's not possible."

First impressions:5 takeaways from Jaguars No. 1 NFL Draft pick Travon Walker's first day of rookie minicamp

2022 schedule:Breaking down the Jaguars' top 5 home and away matchups on 2022 schedule

Giving back:Jaguars cornerback Shaq Griffin connects with Jacksonville's Eastside by hosting cookout 

Trying to help turn the page

Meyer's failed short-tenure fallout was terrible enough that Pederson and his coaching staff have needed to make an effort throughout the offseason program to help his team turn the page. 

"I do believe there has to be some kind of healing with the situation and everything that transpired last year because it's just there's a lack of trust that was broken, I think," Pederson said Friday before conducting his first rookie minicamp practice that included 42 players, including No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker.

"For me, it's about gaining the trust back, and they have to see it through me. They have to see the transparency, the honesty."

Pederson must be everything Meyer wasn't 

Pederson mainly has to be everything that Meyer wasn't during his short tenure in Jacksonville. His previous experience as an NFL head coach helps, especially considering he led the Philadelphia Eagles to their only Super Bowl title during the 2017 season.   

Unlike Meyer, Pederson is not enamored with power and the spotlight. During the first day of rookie minicamp, there wasn't anyone on a loudspeaker shouting hydrate or directions for drills. And there was not a staff member charting winners and losers in drills like what Meyer had as a practice procedure last year. 

During Saturday's second day of rookie minicamp, Pederson was everywhere on the field. He watched from a distance the offensive line work, undrafted quarterback E.J. Perry throw passes downfield and linebacker Chad Muma and Devin Lloyd step back in pass coverage.

At no point did Pederson interfere while his assistants provided details and instructions to players, but often he was seen clapping and encouraging.  

"He's about everybody getting better and understanding what to do," said Lloyd, the No. 27 overall pick out of Utah. "He's someone who is fun to be around but at the same time he's about work and he's serious. He's one of those coaches where you know he's just worried about how can we be the best team."

Veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who has been attending the team's voluntary offseason workouts, said everyone is buying into Pederson and his staff.

"We're not being treated like we might be like these little young guys — we are being treated like grown men," Griffin said. "It's back to where we need to be, and love that part. It makes us want to do more. So I'm excited for the year, and I'm excited for these players."

Pederson and his staff have emphasized having an open line of communication that the players have embraced.   

"I've always said I'm going to be open with them, and I want them to be open with me," Pederson said. "We've been able to have some conversations that way in team settings, and I think the guys have really embraced it and are doing well."

The Jaguars have had a high participation from veterans participating in the voluntary offseason program and GM Trent Baalke made a push during the draft to select players with superb character traits. 

"I think about just the numbers of guys that are here in the offseason program just shows the character and sort of who these guys really are and football’s important to them, winning is important to them," Pederson said. "They’re willing to change and wanting to change and needing it to change obviously. It’s a credit to the players, the leadership of this football team that we have this many guys in our offseason program."