It is no sure thing that Doug Pederson returns as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles next season.
According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Pederson could be out if owner Jeffrey Lurie is not confident about the head coach’s vision going forward after the two meet again – which is expected to happen soon.
Mortensen added that Lurie’s concerns extend beyond the issues with quarterback Carson Wentz, who reportedly wants to be traded.
Wentz’s underwhelming 2020 season was a major storyline this season for the Eagles, who finished 4-11-1 and in last place in the NFC East, and the decision to play Jalen Hurts in the final stretch of games reportedly hampered his relationship with Pederson.
But reports following Week 17’s primetime loss to the Washington Football Team suggested other players in addition to Wentz may have lost faith in Pederson.
During that game, Pedersond decided to bench Hurts for Nate Sudfeld in what appeared to be a blatant attempt to lose and improve the team’s draft pick status. Players on the sidelines were reportedly angry with the decision and some were restrained from confronting the head coach.
Running back Miles Sanders told 94WIP that nobody liked the decision, but Eagles center Jason Kelce dismissed the notion that things were “confrontational” and said everyone was aware of the plan to play Sudfeld.
Pederson, 52, has been the head coach in Philadelphia since 2016. He oversaw the 2017 Super Bowl championship team, which went on an incredible run behind backup quarterback Nick Foles to defeat the New England Patriots.
This was the first season since 2016 where the Eagles did not make the playoffs under Pederson.
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