One more coaching job opens as Eagles fire Pederson
The Philadelphia Eagles have fired coach Doug Pederson, less than three years after he led them to the franchise’s only Super Bowl title.
Pederson was 42-37-1 in five seasons. He led the Eagles to two division titles and three playoff appearances before going 4-11-1 in 2020.
Pederson met with owner Jeffrey Lurie last week and again Monday.
“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.”
Pederson’s loyalty to his coaching staff and frustration with the front office’s interference was a major issue, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the conversations, said Pederson and general manager Howie Roseman weren’t on the same page regarding many personnel moves.
Ultimately, Lurie chose Roseman over Pederson.
Pederson benched Carson Wentz for the final four games after the quarterback had the worst season of his career and started rookie Jalen Hurts. Pederson had said repeatedly he was confident he could fix Wentz and get him back on track. He won’t get that chance now.
Pederson led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over New England in just his second season with backup quarterback Nick Foles filling in after Wentz was injured. Pederson and Foles again led the Eagles to a playoff win the following year after Wentz went down late in the season.
Pederson was heavily criticized for his decision to replace Hurts with third-string quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter of a 20-14 loss to Washington in Week 17.
BELICHICK TURNS DOWN PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM >> New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said that he will not receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald
Trump.
“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients,” the coach said in a statement, which was forwarded to The Associated Press by the team.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team.”
STEFANSKI NO FAN OF WATCHING BROWNS FROM BASEMENT >> Running back Nick Chubb suggested it might violate superstition for first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski to rejoin the Cleveland Browns this week for the divisional playoff trip to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Sorry Nick,” Stefanski said, “You’re stuck with me buddy.”
Stefanski said he did feel the drama and has a newfound respect for fans after taking in the game without direct control of what was happening on the field. After pausing the game broadcast at one point, Stefanski learned of the Browns’ first touchdown when his family upstairs began screaming in celebration. Stefanski said his TV was about 45 seconds behind.
But Stefanski, who watched the Browns eliminate the Pittsburgh Steelers 48- 37 from the postseason Sunday night, said he has no intention of watching Cleveland football from his basement ever again. Stefanski was in isolation following a positive COVID-19 test last week and wasn’t present for the Browns’ first playoff win since 1994.
NFL COVID-19 protocol permits Stefanski to return to work Thursday as the Browns (12- 5) make final preparations for Sunday’s game at Arrowhead Stadium where the Chiefs are rested and waiting.
Stefanski and guard Joel Bitonio both missed the game due to COVID.
DOLPHINS, PANTHERS STAFFS NAMED FOR SENIOR BOWL >> Coaches for the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers will work the 72nd rendition of the Senior Bowl later this month.
The contest will be held Jan. 30 at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala.
The Senior Bowl typically selects two teams picking high in the draft whose coaching staffs remain intact. The Dolphins own the Nos. 3 (via the Houston Texans) and 18 overall picks in the 2021 draft, while the Panthers have the No. 8 selection.
WELL-RESTED CHIEFS GET BACK TO WORK >> The Kansas City Chiefs had to wait until the very last of the six wild- card games played over the weekend to find out who the reigning Super Bowl champions would play in the divisional round of the playoffs.
As if they hadn’t sat around long enough.
The Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and its lone firstround bye in Week 16, allowing coach Andy Reid to sit just about every crucial player for their regular-season finale.
So that means Patrick Mahomes and his cadre of standout support, along with Tyrann Mathieu and other defensive stars, will have gone 21 days without stepping on the field for a game by the time they face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday for a spot in the conference championship game.
It should be the first practice in quite a while that the Chiefs are relatively healthy.
Tyreek Hill was dealing with a hamstring injury the final three weeks of the regular season while fellow wide receiver Sammy Watkins was slowed by a calf injury. In the backfield, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been trying to return from a high-ankle sprain while Le’Veon Bell was sidelined Week 17 with a knee injury. Up front, offensive lineman Mike Remmers had a back injury that caused him to miss the Chiefs’ regular-season finale against the Chargers.
COWBOYS TO HIRE QUINN AS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR >> The Dallas Cowboys plan to hire ex-Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn as their next defensive coordinator, according to a report from ESPN.
Before taking the Falcons’ head coaching job, Quinn served as the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014.