The Philadelphia Eagles have fired head coach Doug Pederson after a tumultuous season, according to ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Pederson had rifts with players such as quarterback Carson Wentz, and upset players with his decision to bench Jalen Hurts during the final game of the season, even with a shot at the playoffs on the line.
Despite a number of meetings between Pederson and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie in recent weeks, Pederson was unable to convince Lurie he had a sound vision for how to address the issues regarding the team.
“I have spent the last few weeks evaluating everything from this past year and looking ahead,” Lurie said in an official statement. “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. 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.
“I have known Doug and his family for more than 20 years and they will always be family to me. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and everything we have accomplished together over the last five seasons. Everyone in the organization understands the type of man and coach that he is, and how much he means to all of us as well as the City of Philadelphia. We all look forward to the day he will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame as a Super Bowl-winning head coach, and we are confident he will have success with his next team.
“But as the leader of this organization, it is imperative for me to do what I believe is best for everyone as we look ahead to the future and move into our next chapter. I know that we have work to do to get back to where we want to be, but I also believe that we have an exceptionally strong group of people in this organization who can help set us up for future success.”
With Pederson gone, Wentz may be inclined to remain in Philly. Wentz had wanted out , citing his fractured relationship with Pederson, but could change course now that Pederson is gone.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pederson’s firing significantly increases the chances of Wentz staying in Philadelphia moving forward.
