Doug Pederson outlines a not-so-subtle plan for post–Super Bowl success
A roller-coaster ride... That's how former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson described winning a Super Bowl and the days and months that follow reaching football's summit. He would know. He's the only man living or deceased who can claim to be the first head coach to lead Philadelphia to its first Lombardi Trophy.
Accomplishing that feat made Pederson a legend. Yes, everyone knows he has never been called that, but doggone it, he should be. There's a statue depicting the Philly Special outside of Lincoln Financial Field. That's what happens when you deliver one of the best memories to a city that can be demanding but also grateful.
Doug Pederson has some advice for the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles
Coach Pederson was recently a guest on NBC Sports Philadelphia's Takeoff podcast with John Clark. It didn't take long for them to begin discussing one of the most incredible memories in franchise history. The Eagles are the reigning and defending Super Bowl champions, even if they don't want to be called that, but everyone knows the old saying. You never forget your first.
We love him, but Coach Pederson fibbed, even if he only told us a 'white lie'. During the victory parade, he promised that playing deep into January and February would be Philadelphia's 'new norm'. Each year after that for the remainder of his Eagles tenure, the team produced a worse finish than the previous campaign under his watch.
In 2018, Philadelphia struggled but made a run down the stretch to qualify for the postseason. They came a few plays short of qualifying for a second consecutive NFC Championship Game appearance. Nick Foles' final pass as an Eagle was an interception that slipped through Alshon Jeffery's hands.
In 2019, the Eagles again finished the regular season with a 9-7 record. This time, they lost in the NFC Wild Card Round. The following season, the Birds and Pederson parted ways following a 4-11-1 finish.
This is Nick Sirianni's team now, but everyone still holds a soft spot in their hearts for Doug Pederson. An Eagle through and through, he offered some advice for the current champs to find that chip again and begin the climb towards reaching the mountaintop again.
"You've got to think about the price of success. What are you willing to sacrifice?"
Pederson's place in Eagles lore is secure. Football's most demanding fan base has long forgiven him for breaking that 'new norm' promise. A new winning culture and adding another Lombardi Trophy will do that. Now, a two-time Super Bowl winner, the Birds begin another season with something that has again become familiar: expectations.
The balancing act is where things begin. Philadelphia must weigh long-term goals vs. the pressure of abandoning its 'Let's hunt' mantra and accept the role of being the hunted. The goal is well-known. The schedule is a brutal affair. Who would have thought? The Birds now seek a third Lombardi Trophy.
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