Eagles fire head coach Doug Pederson following dreadful 4-11-1 season less than three years after he guided the team to its only Super Bowl victory
Less than three years removed from guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to the franchise's only Super Bowl victory, head coach Doug Pederson was fired Monday amid reported infighting with the team's front office following a disappointing 4-11-1 season.
Four people familiar with the move confirmed the news to the The Associated Press. All spoke to the AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because the team hasn't announced Pederson's dismissal. The NFL Network was first to report the news Monday.
The former journeyman backup quarterback was 42-37-1 in five seasons as a head coach, leading the Eagles to two division titles and three playoff appearances before struggling in 2020.
Less than three years removed from guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to the franchise's only Super Bowl victory, head coach Doug Pederson was fired Monday amid reported infighting with the team's front office following a disappointing 4-11-1 season
Pederson and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie embrace each other after their Super Bowl LII win
Pederson met with owner Jeffrey Lurie last week and again Monday, according to another person familiar with those conversations. The person said it was a tough decision for Lurie because of his appreciation for Pederson.
'I have spent the last few weeks evaluating everything from this past year and looking ahead,' Lurie said in a statement. 'We are all very disappointed with the way our season went and eager to turn things around, not just for next season but also for the future of the franchise.
'Coach Pederson and I had the opportunity to sit down and discuss what that collective vision would look like moving forward. After taking some time to reflect on these conversations, I believe it is in both of our best interests to part ways.'
Pederson's loyalty to his coaching staff and frustration with the front office's interference was a major issue, according to another person familiar with the decision. The person said Pederson and general manager Howie Roseman weren't on the same page regarding many personnel moves.
Ultimately, Lurie chose Roseman over Pederson.
Pederson benched Carson Wentz for the final four games, after the quarterback had the worst season of his career, and started rookie Jalen Hurts. Pederson had said repeatedly he was confident he could fix Wentz and get him back on track. He won't get that chance now.
ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested that Pederson could be a candidate for the Jets' opening
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported that Pederson was upset with the front office
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Pederson was 'sick of people telling him what to do'
With Pederson out, quarterback Carson Wentz could be sticking around in Philadelphia
Pederson was a starting quarterback in Philadelphia in 1999 and later served as an assistant coach under Andy Reid with the Eagles. The Eagles hired him in 2016 after abruptly firing Chip Kelly.
Pederson led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over New England in just his second season with backup quarterback Nick Foles filling in after Wentz was injured. Pederson and Foles again led the Eagles to a playoff win the following season after Wentz went down late in the season.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson looks at quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals
He was heavily criticized for his decision to replace Hurts with third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter of a 20-14 loss to Washington in Week 17. Washington's victory cost the New York Giants the NFC East title. The loss gave the Eagles the sixth-overall pick in the draft instead of the ninth.
'I have known Doug and his family for more than 20 years and they will always be family to me,' Lurie's statement continued. 'I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and everything we have accomplished together over the last five seasons.
'Everyone in the organization understands the type of man and coach that he is, and how much he means to all of us as well as the City of Philadelphia. We all look forward to the day he will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame as a Super Bowl-winning head coach, and we are confident he will have success with his next team.
'But as the leader of this organization, it is imperative for me to do what I believe is best for everyone as we look ahead to the future and move into our next chapter. I know that we have work to do to get back to where we want to be, but I also believe that we have an exceptionally strong group of people in this organization who can help set us up for future success.'
Pederson benched Carson Wentz for the final four games, after the quarterback had the worst season of his career, and started rookie Jalen Hurts. Pederson had said repeatedly he was confident he could fix Wentz and get him back on track. He won't get that chance now