Doug Pederson said this week that he hopes to coach the Eagles in 2021 and will have at least one key position on his coaching staff.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz plans to allow his contract to expire after Sunday’s final against Washington and take a year off as a coach, according to sources.
Schwartz, 54, told people close to them that he would consider retiring after a 32-year coaching career, including 28 in the NFL and a Super Bowl victory three years ago with the Eagles.
One of the most respected defensive coaches in the NFL, Schwartz is still highly esteemed by the Eagles, who previously approached him about an extension. But after dealing with several recent hip and eye surgeries, Schwartz believes it is the right time for him to step away from his daily routine, at least in the short term, according to sources.
Schwartz has spent five seasons as Lions head coach between 2009-2013, amassing a record 29-51 with a trip to the playoffs in 2011. He received the interest of head coach last year when he was interviewed for the Browns position that went to Kevin Stefanski.
The Eagles reached a 4-10-1 record this season and were eliminated from the playoff contest with last week’s loss in Dallas.
This week, Schwartz said the Eagles should have a “hat ban rule” on Sunday – denying Washington the chance to celebrate the NFC East title with a win in Philadelphia. It turns out that this will be Schwartz’s last game with the Eagles.