One of the notable storylines of the Eagles' Week 4 victory over the Jaguars was Doug Pederson's return to Philadelphia. Pederson, now Jaguars' head coach, was fired as Eagles head coach three years after leading the organization to its first Super Bowl.
Although Pederson has moved on from the Eagles, his impact is still being felt. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts spoke candidly earlier this week about his former coach:
"I have a lot of respect for Coach Doug...He was just telling me, 'Man, I'm not surprised by anything you're doing and I'm proud of you,' and I had to tell him that I appreciate him taking a chance on me and making me an Eagle. I know I wouldn't be here having an opportunity and doing what I'm doing now without him. So I have a lot of love and respect for him."
Pederson also spoke highly of his former QB following the game.
“I just told him I was proud of him. ... And just how he’s really turned into the leader that we all thought he was going to be, and is. And I just wanted him to know that.”
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 3, 2022
-Doug Pederson on what he told Jalen Hurts after the game pic.twitter.com/0ShZy50jgi
Pederson was the head coach of the Eagles when they selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Hurts played in four games under Pederson as Carson Wentz was the primary starter, but it is clear their relationship is tight.
Both have found great success this season. Hurts has climbed into the MVP conversation with the only undefeated team in the NFL. Pederson has led the Jaguars to a 2-2 start and provided the stability that the organization desperately needed after the disastrous tenure of Urban Meyer.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!