Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is spending Wednesday in Cleveland interviewing with the Browns for their head coaching job, and if he gets an offer, it is safe to say he won't be back in Philadelphia.
The question after a confusing set of answers from head coach Doug Pederson on Wednesday, however, is whether Schwartz might not be back regardless.
Speaking at his season-ending press conference, Pederson wasn't especially concrete about Schwartz's future with the team when asked point-blank if he'll be back next season if he doesn't get the Cleveland job.
"I would assume, yes," Pederson said.
When pressed further, Pederson added, "He's currently my (defensive coordinator), yes."
What makes the answer especially interesting is that earlier in the press conference Pederson was extremely clear in saying that both offensive coordinator Mike Groh and receivers coach Carson Walch will be back next season. Pederson slightly backtracked on that, as he went on to give a vague answer that he is under the process of evaluating all his coaches, but the difference between the way he talked about Schwartz compared to Groh and Walch was interesting.
Considering the Eagles can block Schwartz from taking defensive coordinator jobs elsewhere, and the only open head coaching job is in Cleveland, there isn't really any reason to say "assume." Schwartz will be back if the Eagles want him to be back unless he is head coach of the Browns. The phrase "currently" is also eye-raising.
Now it is possible that Pederson just chose his words poorly, but the overall vibe of his messages gave the clear impression that something is up with Schwartz, the Eagles and their future together.
Why the Eagles would even consider moving on from Schwartz isn't clear.
Since 2016, the Eagles' defense has finished in the top 10 in points allowed twice, and has been in the top half of the league in points allowed all four years. They have been especially dominant at home, allowing an average of just under 17 points-per-game since 2016, best in the NFL. They have allowed 30-or-more points eight times in 70 games, while holding opponents under 20 points 33 times. Far more often than not, the Eagles' defense has given the team a chance to win the game. It is the offense that has not always gotten the job done.
It is possible there are some issues behind the scene and the two sides are simply ready for a split. It is also possible that Pederson just had a poor moment at the podium and gave off the wrong impression.
Either way, the status of Schwartz and the Eagles — regardless of what happens in Cleveland — is now something for everyone to keep an eye on.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
