The Eagles have (at least) three games remaining before the beginning of what will be a crucial offseason for the franchise filled with very important decisions.
It appears one decision, however, has already been made — Howie Roseman isn’t going anywhere.
In an outstanding report about the relationship between Roseman, Jeffrey Lurie and Doug Pederson, Philly.com's Paul Domowitch cites multiple sources that say Lurie is not even considering firing Roseman despite the team’s struggles.
Domowitch writes:
Sources close to owner Jeffrey Lurie said that while no decision has been reached on whether Pederson will be back for a sixth season, Roseman’s return never has been in doubt. In fact, it’s not even something Lurie has contemplated.
Roseman has been with the team since 2000, but has been general manager since 2010, save for one year on the sideline with Chip Kelly running the show. Although the team has had a ton of success during Roseman’s time, the 4-8-1 record they take into Arizona this Sunday is mostly due to poor drafting and bad free agent signings — all of which falls on Roseman.
Domowitch cites a source from inside the Eagles’ organization that says Lurie has a “blind spot” when it comes to Roseman:
“He does have a blind spot when it comes to Howie,” said one current member of the organization. “I’m not saying he deserves to be fired for the way this season has gone. I mean, we did win a Super Bowl three years ago and have made the playoffs three straight years. So he probably deserves a little slack…But there’s no question that Jeffrey looks at Howie through a different lens than he does everybody else.”
For that exact reason, Roseman not being fired isn’t overly surprising. Lurie clearly believes and trusts Roseman. While this Eagles season has been tough to watch, the Eagles have been in the playoffs the last three seasons with Roseman as general manager, something only three other teams have accomplished.
The report also touches on the relationship between Roseman and Pederson. Roseman has had issues with his co-workers in the past, and it seems like his relationship with Pederson is less-than-ideal, according to a source close to Pederson that Domowitch cites:
“It’s not a bad relationship. But it’s one in which you always have to watch your back if you’re Doug…That’s just the nature of the animal you’re dealing with. That’s why I don’t think Doug would be upset if he got fired. Because he knows he’ll get another job. And he won’t have to deal with a lot of the crap he has to deal with here.”
There is certainly a lot to take from this report.
To start, Roseman coming back will not make fans happy. In an offseason where many want major changes, Roseman coming back is not going to be a popular decision.
The report stating that Lurie has a blind spot for Roseman will only feed into the believe fans have that Roseman can do no wrong in the eyes of his boss, and a firing won’t be happening anytime soon. Some believe that as long as Lurie is the owner that Roseman will be in control of the team, and this report does little to dispute that idea.
Finally, Roseman being controlling of Pederson paints a picture of him once again having an issue with the head coach. A head coach (reportedly) not minding being fired certainly doesn’t speak to a solid work environment — and if Pederson is indeed the one that takes the blame for this season, it sounds like Roseman will have his hands in that decision being made.
What ends up happening remains to be seen, but as the Eagles’ season winds down, it is without question going to be one very interesting offseason.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
