Eagles head coach Doug Pederson names defensive coordinator, praises QB
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The new head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Doug Pederson, confirmed his choice as defensive coordinator while also praising the team's current quarterback.
In a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Pederson named former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz as his defensive coordinator.
Pederson said he is still looking for an offensive coordinator, but added he will be calling plays on the offense.
He also gave his thoughts on QB Sam Bradford, saying Bradford would "fit perfectly" in his system.
Owner Jeffrey Lurie, meanwhile, announced that the team is about to begin a search for a new head of player personnel.
Pederson, who previously served the Eagles as both a player and coach, says he knows what Philly is looking for: a championship.
The Eagles job attracted Pederson, he said, because of the "opportunity to lead young men."
"My challenge to them is that we're going to work every day, we're going to work hard every day. As coaches, our job is to make you better. To make you better as men, better as Philadelphia Eagles."
The news conference on Tuesday began with heaping praise by owner Jeffrey Lurie, who said the search committee started with 25 candidates, then narrowed the field down to "10 or 11."
But Pederson was the 'unanimous choice,' calling him a 'smart, strategic thinkner.'
"The new coach had to be comfortable in his own skin. Doug has that, unquestionably," Lurie said.
Lurie also said Andy Reid, the former Eagles head coach and current head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, helped in the coaching search.
