Eagles Fire Doug Pederson After Five Seasons

• Eagles fire head coach Doug Pederson after 4-11-1 season
• Pederson’s firing improves the odds of Carson Wentz remaining with the team next season
• Eagles expected to court Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley

A handful of NFL teams decided to fire their head coaches on the day after the regular season came to a close, but the Philadelphia Eagles decided to wait a little longer. On Monday, exactly a week after “Black Monday,” the Eagles announced that they have parted ways with head coach Doug Pederson.

Pederson was widely expected to remain in the job next season despite Philadelphia’s underwhelming 4-11-1 campaign. However, both sides evidently decided to part ways after Pederson and team owner Jeffrey Lurie met on multiple occasions over the past week. Lurie was reportedly unconvinced that Pederson had the frame of mind the team is looking for in its leader moving forward, especially when it comes to addressing areas of need this offseason.

Wentz’ Uncertain Situation a Factor in Pederson’s Firing

The most pressing issue in Philadelphia is what to do with quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz struggled mightily this past season, and he was eventually benched in favor of rookie Jalen Hurts. Wentz led the Eagles to an average of just 20.9 points per game this season, which ranked near the bottom of the NFL.

The team still owes Wentz quite a bit of money on his contract, which makes it nearly impossible for the Eagles to waive him at this point. Philadelphia could seek a trade partner, but the market likely won’t be teeming with teams looking to add an expensive QB fresh off of the worst season of his career.

In a statement, Lurie said,

“I have spent the last few weeks evaluating everything from this past year and looking ahead. 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 led the Eagles to the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl title back in 2019 when Philadelphia toppled New England in Super Bowl 52. Wentz tore his ACL late in the season after putting up MVP-caliber numbers, but Pederson was still able to lead the team to a title behind backup quarterback Nick Foles.

Pederson’s Excellent Run

Philadelphia went 1-2 across two playoff appearances in the two seasons immediately following the championship before missing out on postseason action altogether this past season. He leaves the Eagles with a regular-season record of 46-39-1 after initially taking the job back in 2016. Pederson got the job after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013 until 2015.

Lurie was reportedly not sold on Pederson’s decisions with regard to his coaching staff for next season, either, with helped lead to his unexpected dismissal. Wentz is reportedly set to ask for a trade this offseason if the Eagles plan to commit to Hurts as their starter in 2021. The relationship between Wentz and Pederson had reportedly grown tense, with some suggesting that the two would never be able to mend fences in the future.

With Pederson out the door, the chances of Wentz remaining with the team next season have improved considerably. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported later Monday that Pederson will instantly become a candidate for the New York Jets’ vacant coaching job. Philadelphia will reportedly have interest in Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, among others, when it comes to filling their own vacancy.