Former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is reportedly a candidate for the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator position, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. While Pederson may yet draw interest for a heading coaching position as the offseason progresses, the opportunity to lead an offensive unit helmed by Russell Wilson may prove to be the softest landing available for the embattled coach.
Originally expected to return to the Eagles in 2021, Pederson was fired by Philadelphia only five days ago after several meetings with team owner Jeffrey Lurie. Despite delivering the franchises' only Super Bowl victory in 2018, Pederson had presided over a squad that had gradually regressed on offense.
While the Eagles carried the top-scoring unit during their run to the Lombardi Trophy, Philadelphia failed to rank above 15th in the same metric over the following three seasons. To make matters worse, quarterback Carson Wentz, the presumptive cornerstone of the franchise, has seen his stock fall to the point where he was eventually benched in favor of rookie Jalen Hurts. With Wentz having demanded a trade due to a fracturing of the relationship between him and Pederson, the move to oust the head coach does open the possibility that the quarterback could remain with the team.
Though Pederson is not totally to blame for the Eagles' collapse over the past three seasons, his recent checkered history in leading offenses will likely draw scrutiny should he ultimately get the Seattle job. Given the Seahawks struggles to produce on offense despite having top-tier talent, many will wonder if Pederson possesses the vision to provide the scoring unit a boost. Should he fail again, it's unlikely Pederson will get a third chance to prove his critics wrong.