Seahawks talk to Doug Pederson about vacant offensive coordinator position, versus

Doug Pederson is back on the interview circuit, less than a week after the end of his five-year career as head coach of the Eagles. Pederson met with the Seahawks about their open offensive coordinator position, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. And while he may be content to hold a coordinator position, Pederson can still be considered for one of the remaining head coaching positions.

The day after the Eagles split from Pederson, the Seahawks severed ties with veteran offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who had spent the past three seasons in Seattle. The Seahawks offense enjoyed considerable success with Schottenheimer before hitting a wall in the second half of the 2020 season. Seattle has failed to reach 300 total yards in its last three games of the season and only gained 278 total yards in Saturday’s 30-20 loss to Los Angeles.

While two of his best statistical seasons have come under Schottenheimer, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has appeared to be regressing in the last 12 games of the 2020 season, including losing the team. In Seattle’s first five games, Wilson averaged 300 passing yards per game while completing 72.8% of his passes. He also threw 19 touchdowns against just three interceptions while leading Seattle to a 5-0 start. In the last 12 games, Wilson has averaged just 240 passing yards per game while making 65.4% of his throws. He threw 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and Seattle was 7-5.

Pederson has had success with several different quarterbacks during his coaching career. After coaching Michael Vick in Philadelphia, he helped Alex Smith win his first Pro Bowl selection as the Chiefs offensive coordinator in 2013. In Philadelphia, Pederson enjoyed early success with Wentz, who had a MVP season before suffering an end of season. injury towards the end of the 2017 regular season. Wentz’s injury opened the door for Nick Foles, whose unlikely run to the playoffs helped the Eagles win their first Super Bowl title.

Pederson is the second recently fired head coach whose name is linked to the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator position. Pelissero reported on Friday that coach Pete Carroll had been in contact with former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, who was sacked by the Chargers shortly after the end of the 2020 regular season. Lynn, who has just completed his 21st season as an NFL coach, served as the Bills offensive coordinator in 2016 before becoming head coach of the Chargers.