Doug Pederson was relieved of his coaching duties on Monday, and Eagles fans were all over the map with their reaction.
After a 4-11-1 season that saw one of the most embarrassing episodes in franchise history play out on national television, the Philadelphia Eagles will be looking for a new head coach.
The Eagles fired Doug Pederson on Monday following a meeting with owner Jeff Lurie. It was reported earlier in the week that, despite initial reports to the contrary, Pederson would have to essentially explain to ownership why he deserved to keep his job.
In the end, Pederson’s explanation was not what Lurie was looking for.
Pederson finishes his time with the Eagles having gone to the playoffs in three of his four seasons as head coach. Notably, one of those trips ended with a Super Bowl victory — one in which he coached a backup quarterback into outplaying Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Memories are for photobooks, results are what Eagles ownership want in the locker room. Pederson’s final record with Philly is 42-37-1, but it’s the 4-11-1 finish to this season — and how it went down — that seemingly forced a decision.
It was a move that many Eagles fans had been calling for throughout the season, one in which the NFC East was won by the 7-9 Washington Football Team. Even though he delivered a Super Bowl less than five years ago, fans were mostly pleased to see their nightmare season finally and officially end.
Eagles’ Twitter might be the best thing you see all day
First came the official announcement that Pederson was gone.
Per source, Doug Pederson is out in Philadelphia.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 11, 2021
Then came the immediate reaction of confusion since he did bring the team their only Super Bowl title.
The dude won them their only Super Bowl and brought them back to the playoffs the two years after.
— Jack Fitzsimmons (@WCAX_Jack) January 11, 2021
We knew it was a tough crowd in Philly but jeeeeeeese. https://t.co/b8cVbj09Ap
Wow...from winning a SB in 2018 to this. Can’t say I’m surprised...but wonder if he’d still be there if not for that WFT fiasco. But now...who coaches this cap-strapped, under-achieving team next?? https://t.co/xlL0P8lY0r
— Ryan Smith (@ryansmithtv) January 11, 2021
Damn. A Super Bowl title clearly doesn't buy you as much time as it used to. https://t.co/lO5xkYXvRO
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 11, 2021
Still, there were some who couldn’t be more thankful for ownership’s decision to cut ties with their coach.
You don’t say..... https://t.co/r1xVeO9WKL pic.twitter.com/2LEM5iWjV8
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) January 11, 2021
Lost the locker room. Had to be done @C_Rosati57 https://t.co/Yrs39TAk7z
— DC Ty (@DistrictTy) January 11, 2021
LMAO you can't be serious https://t.co/jVrftb1ts9
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) January 11, 2021
this is great but more importantly I need howie gone https://t.co/H25CeVnfsE
— jawn (@wakeupinpolo) January 11, 2021
The job though is not done. Now, the fans want general manager Howie Roseman to suffer the same fate.
It's absolutely hilarious to me that everyone with the Eagles is held accountable except for the biggest problem of them all.
— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) January 10, 2021
Howie Roseman.
Do Howie Roseman next @Eagles
— Justin Grasso (@JGrasso_) January 11, 2021
The #Eagles as things stand are projected to be $74 million OVER the cap with an aging roster and uncertainty at QB. Keeping Howie Roseman over Doug Pederson is ... interesting.
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) January 11, 2021
But hey, at least the fans know who should be their next head coach. Have you ever heard of Nate Sudfeld?
The Eagles should replace Doug Pederson with Nate Sudfeld.
— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) January 11, 2021
Have they considered trying Nate Sudfeld as HC? Just to see if he could be good at it? https://t.co/hrveMOmsWl
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 11, 2021
The decision to fire Pederson wasn’t an easy one, but the hard work is only just beginning. There are questions about what to do with Carson Wentz, who will be the quarterback of the future, what the team should do with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft, and where the franchise should go from here.
Still, at least Eagles’ Twitter is happy about this. Or are they?