Just one day ahead of the final game of the 2020-21 season for the Eagles, coaching staff news hits Philadelphia.
Head coach Doug Pederson is expected to return next season, sources say. However, there will be a new vacant coaching position, as defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will not return.
DOUG PEDERSON
Though Pederson may have become Philadelphia’s head coach in 2016, his coaching career with the Eagles began in 2009. Alongside former head coach Andy Reid, Pederson became Philly’s offensive quality control coach. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2011.
In 2013, he followed Reid to the Kansas City Chiefs to serve as offensive coordinator. After a rocky start to the 2015 season, Pederson inherited play-calling duties. He helped the Chiefs win their final ten regular season games, quickly gaining recognition.
He returned back to Philadelphia to serve as head coach, sending the Eagles to the playoffs in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The Birds also saw their first franchise Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots under Doug Pederson.
Most notably known for his offensive line talent and aggressive calls, his play-calling has been under question this season. The Eagles lost their first Thursday Night Football game since Pederson became head coach and failed at securing a playoff spot after three consecutive years.
The Wentz-Hurts dilemma also added a whole other aspect to Pederson’s coaching woes. His job has nonetheless been in jeopardy (or at least that’s what most thought), but with a 4-10-1 record, Pederson will remain in Philly.
On Tuesday, he will meet with owner Jeffrey Lurie to discuss plans for the 2021 season. Eagles fans can only hope that next season brings improved change.
Pederson is currently 42-36-1 since becoming Philadelphia’s head coach.
JIM SCHWARTZ
In the spirit of change in 2021, Pederson will also be looking to fill a new coaching void. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will allow his contract to expire after Sunday’s game. He plans to take a year off from coaching to consider his future.
Schwartz will now contemplate retirement after a 32-year coaching career, including 28 years in the NFL.
Similar to Pederson, Schwartz joined the Eagles in 2016. Once the head coach of the Detroit Lions and defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, Schwartz inherited one of the worst defenses in the league upon his arrival in Philadelphia.
The Eagles were ranked 30th in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed; however, after implementing a 4-3 defense, they became 13th and 12th during Schwartz’s first season. In his second season, the Eagles ranked fourth in both categories.
In his first four seasons, the Eagles ranked among the top ten in rushing defense, red zone defense, third-down defense, scoring defense, and takeaways. Schwartz brought the Eagles’ defense to light, becoming one of the most respected coaches in the NFL.
The Eagles’ defense is now ranked 22nd overall in what has been a horrendous season for those in midnight green.
Tomorrow, Schwartz will lead the team in one last game against the Washington Football Team (whose defense ranks fifth in the league). He will do this without 16 defensive players, including Derek Barnett, Jalen Mills, Josh Sweat, Avonte Maddox, Rodney McLeod, Fletcher Cox, and Duke Riley.
In one last attempt to go out with a win, Schwartz announced earlier this week that the Eagles must implement a “no-hat rule” on Sunday. They plan on denying Washington a chance to celebrate an NFC East win at Lincoln Financial Field.
As the saying goes, all good things must eventually come to an end. Schwartz will coach his last game with Philadelphia tomorrow at home. They take on Washington at 8:20 pm.
