Former Eagles HC Doug Pederson To Take Year Off?

Doug Pederson is out of work and he’s planning to keep it that way for now. The former Eagles head coach says he’s “leaning towards” taking the 2021 season off (via Les Bowen of The Inquirer). 

Just a few years ago, Pederson was a hero in Philadelphia. But, after an especially trying season, the Eagles gave him the hook. The Super Bowl LII winner went 9-7 in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, his Eagles went 4-11-1. It was initially reported that the Eagles would bring him back for another year — that all changed after the team’s Week 17 debacle.

It stands to reason that Pederson’s absence from football can make hearts grow fonder. After all, the Birds have been plagued by injuries in recent years, and their struggles cannot be placed squarely on Pederson’s shoulders. While Carson Wentz regressed sharply in 2020, Pederson had a hand in the quarterback’s early career success.

After his dismissal, some believed that Pederson was ticketed for the Jets, where he could reunite with old pal Joe Douglas. He was also connected to the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator vacancy just last week. Ultimately, he wasn’t a hot HC candidate in this cycle, but he might have better luck next year.

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