Pederson On Eagles’ New D-line Coach
Doug Pederson. (USA Today Sports)
MOBILE, AL — The Eagles have hired Chris Wilson from the University of Missouri as their defensive line coach, Doug Pederson announced following the North Team’s practice at Ladd Peebles Stadium Wednesday.
Wilson has spent the majority of his 20-plus years in the business coaching defensive fronts. From 2010-12 he served as the defensive coordinator/d-line coach for Mississippi State, where he with a guy by the name of Fletcher Cox.
Pederson said his past experience with Cox factored in “a little bit, but it wasn’t the deciding factor. I think there is some familiarity there and I think it will be good to have those two together.”
The interview with Wilson actually took place this morning in Mobile.
“Jim Schwartz and I spent about two-and-a-half hours with him. He’s got great attention to detail, fundamentals, he’s a technician,” said Pederson. “He’s worked with some of our guys before, he’s recruited some of our guys before, so he’s very aware of the talent that we have and he’ll fit our system well.”
In between coaching Mizzou and Mississippi State, Wilson worked with eventual No. 6 overall pick Leonard Williams at USC.
The Eagles also hired Joe D’Orazio as assistant wide receivers coach to pair with Greg Lewis. D’Orazio spent last season as tight ends coach at Columbia. Prior to that the Philadelphia-area native was with the Chiefs as the senior assistant to Andy Reid.
Pederson on Bradford, Wentz
Pederson said he had a “great conversation” with Sam Bradford a couple days ago and said he is “looking forward to working with him.”
He will only get that chance, of course, if the Eagles get Bradford under contract or place the franchise tag on him. Asked if a decision has been made internally as to whether they definitely want the QB back, Pederson said, “Not yet. That’s something that we’ll continue to look at.”
“As we continue to evaluate, we’ll pull that trigger one way or the other when the time comes.”
For Bradford’s part, the quarterback expressed to Pederson that “he would love to be back,” according to the head coach. “That’s a thing that we have to continue to look at, and I think he’s a kid that would definitely fit the type of offensive structure that I’ll bring.”
Pederson was also asked about quarterback Carson Wentz, who continues to impress in Mobile.
“I like him. He’s got great size, good mobility, strong kid, good arm. It will be interesting to sit down and eventually talk with him to see where he’s at mentally, but just by the eye, a talented kid. Looks like he can play in this league.”