Doug Pederson expected to return to Eagles in 2021

While Carson Wentz’s time with the Eagles seems up, head coach Doug Pederson isn’t done quite yet.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported over the weekend that the 52-year-old is expected to return next season, though he does have a meeting with team owner Jeffrey Lurie on Tuesday.

Rumors of Pederson’s dismissal has run rampant in recent weeks as the Eagles put the finishing touches on one of their worst seasons in the last 20 years — and it was dysfunctional in almost every aspect.

While his team had to contend with injuries, the cast Pederson had to work with was far from legitimate due to the ineptitude of general manager Howie Roseman. Wentz was working behind a sieve-like offensive line while lacking legitimate playmakers — especially at the wide receiver spot.

His defense wasn’t much better and is on the verge of losing coordinator Jim Schwartz, who will take 2021 off as he contemplates retirement.

Amidst the dysfunction, Wentz had the worst season of his professional career, which led to his benching during a Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

In stepped rookie Jalen Hurts, who ran away with the starting job and hasn’t looked back since — all while Wentz sulked and made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Hurts appears to be the quarterback of the future while Wentz is preparing to request a trade; his relationship with Pederson “all but fractured.”

Regardless of the overwhelming issues plaguing the franchise, the Eagles were still very much expected to put on a stronger showing in 2020. After all, this is a team that won a Super Bowl just a few seasons ago.

Entering the season as one of the favorites, they were still gifted a chance of remaining in postseason contention due to the weakness of the NFC East.

Prior to Sunday’s season finale against Washington, Pederson was 42-36-1 in his five seasons as Eagles head coach.