After another lifeless performance by the Eagles, it’s time to wonder whether Doug Pederson and his time with the Eagles have come to an end?
A detailed look at that question is for another article, but if the Eagles were to move on, who should be considered?
Here is a look at some options for the Eagles if the Doug Pederson era comes to a close:
NFL Names
Eric Bieniemy – Chiefs OC
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way.
Bieniemy became the Chief’s offensive coordinator in 2018 after Matt Nagy left to become the Bears’ head coach. In Bieniemy’s first year as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs led the league in points scored, were first in yards per game, and scored the third-most points in NFL history. Patrick Mahomes became the second QB ever to throw for 5,000 yards and 50 TDs in the same season.
Last season, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.
This season, the Chiefs are 9-1, Mahomes leads the league in passing yards, rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire is seventh in rushing, and the entire offensive arsenal is having a great season.
You think Wentz can benefit from an offensive mind like that?
Brian Daboll – Bills OC
The 4th most passing yards in the league and 6th most passing touchdowns belongs to the… Buffalo Bills?
After building a rushing attack that was extremely devastating from 2018-2019, Brian Daboll has transformed the Bills offense to the Josh Allen show. Sure, having Stefon Diggs helps, but you cannot ignore the leaps Josh Allen has made as a passer.
He is ranked 9th in DVOA, according to Football Outsiders, after finishing 28th in 2019, and 33rd in 2018.
Daboll’s strength is scheming his offensive play calling to the talent in the offense, basing the plays on who he has available.
Sounds like something the Eagles could use?
Robert Saleh – 49ers DC
*I do not think Lurie hires a defensive coach*
Now that the obvious is out of the way, I still need to highlight the 49ers defensive coordinator.
Robert Saleh would be an absolute slam dunk of a hire and a shock to the system Eagles fans have been used to for decades.
The 49ers are missing massive pieces from their defense, yet Saleh has them top five. He values linebackers. He’s beloved in the locker room and well respected throughout the league.
Could a Saleh hire bring Mike McDaniel over as OC? He was a name to watch in the Eagles’ offensive coordinator search in January 2020, so it’s possible that would be revisited again. You just have to look at the 49ers rushing attack to see how a McDaniel hire would do to Miles Sanders’ career.
Greg Roman – Ravens OC
Another candidate with an extensive rushing attack history, Roman may be the key to unlock Miles Sanders’ greatness. Here’s Roman’s rushing yards rank each year in the NFL as OC:
- 2011 (SF): 8th
- 2012 (SF): 4th
- 2013 (SF): 3rd
- 2014 (SF): 4th
- 2015 (Buf): 1st
- 2016 (Buf): 1st
- 2019 (Bal): 1st
- 2020 (Bal): 1st
His offensive schemes have helped Lamar Jackson look like a competent QB and have been almost impossible to stop on the ground. His QBs have also protected the ball well, with 2020 being the only season out of the top five in least interceptions thrown.
A head coach who values running the ball could help Wentz limit his mistakes and bring him back to the dynamic football he’s used to playing.
Joe Brady – Panthers OC
This one is farfetched, but you know me: write it anyway!
Joe Brady has been a coach all over the field. He coached linebackers at William and Mary, grad assistant at Penn State from 2015-2016 on offense, spent 2017-2018 with the Saints as offensive assistant, and 2019 as LSU’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. Anyone remember Joe Burrow’s 2019 season?
The Panthers offense isn’t much improved from last season, but that can happen when you’re missing Christian McCaffrey for a good chunk of games.
Teddy Bridgewater is having a career year YPG-wise (255.2) and is on his way to blowing by his career-high of 3,231 passing yards set back in 2015. Not bad for a “placeholder” QB.
Brady is an extremely bright offensive mind and could be the next great head coach. Jeffery Lurie would be wise to do whatever it takes to get Brady.
For a list of college candidates who could replace Doug Pederson, check out the next page.
Photo by Rich Graessle/PPI/Icon Sportswire
