Could Doug Pederson become a potential target if Joe Brady walks?
By Dean Jones
Could Doug Pederson replace Joe Brady if the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator gets a head coaching job?
The Carolina Panthers might be on the lookout for a new offensive coordinator this offseason if Joe Brady’s recent interviews result in a head coaching job with just one year of play-calling experience at the next level under his belt. This would be a substantial blow for the organization and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, in particular, but if they are looking to make a splash with a potential replacement, then one figurehead just became available for hire.
Super Bowl-winning head coach Doug Pederson was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles after a turbulent campaign that resulted in a losing record, a quarterback controversy, and the locker room losing all faith after accusations of tanking during their final game defeat to the Washington Football Team.
He was always going to be the scapegoat in this particular situation and despite lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy just three years ago. And his removal is further proof that the NFL is a what have you done for me lately business.
The Carolina Panthers may not get the chance to hire Doug Pederson.
Now, there are plenty of vacant coaching positions who might now be thinking twice about their original plans with the news Pederson is now available. But if he doesn’t manage to secure another top job in the coming weeks and Brady bolts for a big opportunity elsewhere, Carolina could do far worse than look in his direction if their offensive coordinator role becomes available.
This might be seen as a step down for a man who’s achieved a significant amount in recent years. But the fact of the matter is that Pederson needs to build back up his reputation following Philadelphia’s embarrassment in Week 17 that put a strain on the league and was met with apoplectic rage by the New York Giants, who lost a playoff berth in the process.
Dropping down to an offensive coordinator role isn’t exactly the worst thing in the world at this juncture.
Pederson is a strong-willed character who has been around the game for a long time. He also spent a brief period with the Carolina Panthers back in 1995 during training camp without making their 53-man roster.
This would need the approval of Matt Rhule, who may not want someone like Pederson waiting in the wings if things go south in 2021.
There is nothing to suggest that this will happen, but whether the pair are a good match is another matter entirely.
Pederson got the Eagles job after thriving as offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs and his time as a quarterbacks’ coach prior to that would be another massive boost for the Panthers. However, he is not going to accept the first offer that comes along and will wait to see if another NFL team comes in with an offer of head coach before looking at lesser roles.
There are already rumors circulating surrounding Pederson and the New York Jets, a team where Brady interviewed over the weekend. They might not be the only ones aiming to bring him in for a last-ditch interview in the very near future, which would obviously take preference and would represent a road to redemption situation of sorts.
As for Carolina, a recent report claimed that the Atlanta Falcons are leaning in Brady’s direction in their search for a head coach. Losing the former LSU passing guru to a divisional rival would be the worst-case scenario for Rhule and it might be a substantial step back in their rebuilding process.
Rhule and owner David Tepper must already have a contingency plan in place should Brady secure a shock promotion. Pederson would be a huge coup for the Panthers, but there might be a bigger job in his future after things turned sour quickly in Philadelphia.