Doug Pederson is out in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Eagles fired Pederson on Monday, just three years after the coach helped win a Super Bowl with the franchise. Pederson’s exit comes after a tumultuous season in which the Eagles finished 4-11-1.
Pederson’s job status was originally believed to be safe, but reportedly, a recent meeting with owner Jeffrey Lurie did not go well. Lurie was reportedly not encouraged by Pederson’s plans for helping turn around the franchise.
“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,” Lurie said in a statement.
“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.”
The Eagles have a decision to make this offseason with quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts. Hurts, a second-round pick in 2020, replaced Wentz over the last four games of the season after Wentz was benched for poor performance. Wentz, though, signed a four-year, $128 million extension in 2019 that kicks in 2021. The Eagles could look to trade Wentz, though they would face significant cap ramifications if they do so.
Pederson lasted five seasons with the Eagles, winning the Super Bowl during the 2017 season. He led them to 42-37-1 record with three playoff appearances. But after the Super Bowl win, the Eagles failed to sustain their success.
He most recently faced heavy scrutiny for benching Hurts in the fourth quarter of a one-score game in a Week 17 loss to Washington — a move that led to accusations that Pederson was trying to tank the game for a better draft pick. Pederson denied that claim and said he wanted to evaluate backup Nate Sudfeld.
Washington’s Ron Rivera is now the longest-tenured coach in the NFC East.
He was hired last year.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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