Doug Pederson is out as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles three years after guiding them to their first-ever Super Bowl title.
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie made the announcement Monday on Twitter.
"I have spent the last few weeks evaluating everything from this past year and looking ahead. 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 went 4-11-1 in 2020 and were 42-37-1 under Pederson during his five-year tenure as head coach. Pederson led the team to two division titles and three playoff appearances.
According to The Associated Press, Pederson and general manager Howie Roseman weren’t on the same page regarding many personnel moves, which ultimately led Lurie to choose his GM over Pederson.
“Although I am disappointed that this chapter of my career has come to an end, I am extremely proud of what we accomplished together,” Pederson said in a statement.
The New York Times reported that Pederson took a lot of heat from fans and players when he decided to bench rookie starter Jalen Hurts and play Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter of a Week 17 game against Washington, which they lost 20-14.
In his second season as head coach, Pederson's Eagles defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. The team was led by backup quarterback Nick Foles who filled in after starting quarterback Carson Wentz was injured.
Wentz struggled in 2020, throwing only 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions before being benched for Hurts. According to an ESPN report on Jan. 3, Wentz's relationship with Pederson was "fractured beyond repair."
