Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Lineage

The history of the Philadelphia Eagles is rich with coaching changes, successes, and challenges over the past century. From their humble beginnings in 1933 to becoming Super Bowl champions in 2018, the Eagles have seen a wide array of coaching personalities and strategies. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the different Philadelphia Eagles coaches over the last 100 years.

Early Years (1933-1940)

The Philadelphia Eagles’ journey began in 1933 when they were founded as an NFL expansion team. Their first head coach, Lud Wray, led the team from its inception until 1935. During these early years, the Eagles struggled to find their footing, often finishing at or near the bottom of the league standings.

In 1936, Bert Bell took over as both owner and head coach. His tenure saw some improvement, but the Eagles were still far from being a competitive force in the NFL.

The Buck Shaw Era (1941-1950)

The late 1940s marked a turning point for the Eagles when they hired Earle “Greasy” Neale as their head coach. Under Neale’s guidance, the team achieved its first taste of success. In 1948, the Eagles won their first NFL Championship, thanks in large part to the “Philly Miracle” play.

In 1950, the Eagles were once again crowned NFL champions, but this time under the leadership of head coach Buck Shaw. Shaw’s emphasis on defense and a strong ground game propelled the team to glory.

The Lean Years (1951-1975)

After their championship in 1950, the Eagles entered a period of relative mediocrity and inconsistency in terms of coaching. The team went through several coaches, including Wayne Millner, Bo McMillin, and Joe Kuharich, during this era, but none could bring the Eagles back to championship glory.

Dick Vermeil and the Late 1970s (1976-1982)

The late 1970s brought renewed hope to Eagles fans when Dick Vermeil took over as head coach in 1976. Vermeil’s passionate and emotionally-driven coaching style resonated with the players and the city. Under his leadership, the Eagles reached the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.

Dick Vermeil is a name that resonates deeply with Philadelphia Eagles fans and football enthusiasts alike. His coaching career, marked by passion, emotional intensity, and a commitment to excellence, left an indelible mark on the franchise and the NFL as a whole. Let’s dive into the life and coaching career of Dick Vermeil in more detail.

Early Life and Coaching Beginnings

Richard Albert Vermeil was born on October 30, 1936, in Calistoga, California. His journey into football began at a young age, but it was in coaching that he found his true calling. Vermeil attended San Jose State University and played college football as a quarterback and wide receiver. However, it was his transition to coaching that would define his career.

After a few years of coaching at the high school and college levels, Vermeil got his first taste of the NFL as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams in 1969. His hard work and dedication quickly propelled him through the coaching ranks.

The Philadelphia Eagles Years (1976-1982)

Vermeil’s most memorable coaching stint came with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as head coach from 1976 to 1982. When he arrived in Philadelphia, the Eagles were a struggling franchise with a long history of disappointment. However, Vermeil’s passion and work ethic were infectious.

One of Vermeil’s most significant contributions to the Eagles was his focus on player development. He built a culture of discipline and hard work that resonated with his players. He also had a knack for getting the best out of his quarterbacks, most notably Ron Jaworski. Under Vermeil’s guidance, Jaworski became a Pro Bowl quarterback and a key figure in the Eagles’ resurgence.

In 1980, Vermeil led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Although they fell short against the Oakland Raiders, the “Vermeil Era” had firmly established the Eagles as a competitive force in the NFL.

The Emotional Coach

What set Vermeil apart was his emotional coaching style. He was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, often becoming visibly emotional during games and press conferences. His genuine love for the game and his players endeared him to fans and players alike.

Vermeil’s coaching philosophy emphasized preparation, hard work, and attention to detail. He was meticulous in his game planning and believed in the power of relentless effort. His speeches and motivational tactics were legendary, and his players respected him not just as a coach but as a mentor.

Retirement and Comeback

In a surprising turn of events, Dick Vermeil retired from coaching in 1982, citing burnout and the toll the profession had taken on his health and personal life. He walked away from the game at the height of his career, leaving Eagles fans with a sense of unfinished business.

However, the allure of coaching never truly left him. After a 15-year hiatus, Vermeil made a triumphant return to the NFL as the head coach of the St. Louis Rams in 1997. In 1999, he achieved the pinnacle of coaching success when he led the Rams to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Legacy and Impact

Dick Vermeil’s legacy in football extends beyond the field. His passion, dedication, and ability to connect with players and fans alike have made him a beloved figure in the sport. He showed that a coach could be both tough and emotionally invested in the well-being of his team.

His coaching tree also includes notable names like Mike Holmgren and Jon Gruden, who went on to achieve success as NFL head coaches. Vermeil’s influence on the game can still be seen today through the coaching philosophies of those he mentored.

Dick Vermeil’s coaching career is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in football. His time with the Philadelphia Eagles marked a significant chapter in the franchise’s history, and his emotional coaching style left an enduring impact on the NFL. He remains a respected and beloved figure in the world of football, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

The Buddy Ryan Era (1986-1990)

In the late 1980s, the Eagles became known for their ferocious defense, thanks to the hiring of Buddy Ryan as head coach. Ryan’s “Gang Green” defense was one of the most feared in the league, but playoff success remained elusive during his tenure.

Buddy Ryan, whose full name was James David Ryan, was a legendary figure in the world of American football, known for his pioneering defensive strategies and his colorful, often controversial, personality. His impact on the game, particularly during his tenure as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, is still felt today. Let’s delve into the life and coaching career of Buddy Ryan in more detail.

Early Life and Coaching Beginnings

James David “Buddy” Ryan was born on February 17, 1931, in Frederick, Oklahoma. His journey into the world of football began in college, where he played as a guard at the University of Oklahoma. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, starting at the high school and college levels.

Ryan’s first taste of NFL coaching came in 1968 when he was hired as the defensive line coach for the New York Jets. It was here that he began to develop the defensive philosophies and strategies that would later become his hallmark.

The “46 Defense”

Buddy Ryan is perhaps best known for his creation of the “46 Defense,” a highly aggressive and innovative defensive scheme that revolutionized the NFL. The 46 Defense, named after the jersey number of his hard-hitting safety Doug Plank, was designed to put immense pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays.

Ryan’s 46 Defense utilized a heavy blitzing strategy, with multiple defenders attacking the line of scrimmage to overwhelm the offense. It was incredibly effective and played a pivotal role in the success of the Chicago Bears’ defense during their Super Bowl-winning season in 1985. This defensive scheme had a lasting influence on the NFL and is still referenced and adapted by modern coaches.

Philadelphia Eagles Tenure (1986-1990)

Buddy Ryan became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986, and his arrival brought a new era of football to the city. He quickly earned a reputation for his no-nonsense attitude, fiery personality, and willingness to speak his mind, often leading to clashes with players and other coaches.

Under Ryan’s leadership, the Eagles’ defense became one of the most feared units in the league, earning the nickname “Gang Green.” The defense was characterized by its aggressive play and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Notable players like Reggie White and Clyde Simmons thrived under Ryan’s coaching, becoming stars in the NFL.

Despite the dominance of the Eagles’ defense during his tenure, the team struggled to find consistent success in the playoffs, often falling short of Super Bowl aspirations. Take a look at this Eagles T-shirt.

The Legacy of Buddy Ryan

Buddy Ryan’s coaching style was polarizing. While he was undoubtedly a defensive genius, his abrasive personality and tendency to publicly criticize players and other coaches sometimes created tensions within the team and the organization.

His legacy, however, endures through his contributions to the game. The 46 Defense remains a historic innovation in NFL defensive strategies, and his impact on player development, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, is undeniable.

Beyond his coaching legacy, Buddy Ryan’s personality made him a larger-than-life figure in the NFL. He was known for his memorable quotes and fiery demeanor, which endeared him to some fans and drew the ire of others. He was unapologetically himself, a characteristic that left a lasting impression on the football world.

Buddy Ryan’s influence on the NFL is undeniable. His innovative defensive schemes and passionate coaching style left an indelible mark on the game. While his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t result in a Super Bowl championship, his impact on the team’s defense and the league’s understanding of defensive strategies cannot be overstated. Buddy Ryan will always be remembered as a football pioneer and a colorful character who left an enduring legacy in the world of sports.

Andy Reid and the 2000s (1999-2012)

The arrival of Andy Reid as head coach in 1999 marked a new era for the Eagles. With a strong emphasis on offense and the development of quarterback Donovan McNabb, the team became a perennial playoff contender. Under Reid, the Eagles reached the Super Bowl in 2004 but fell short of winning the championship. Terrell Owens played in the 2004 Super Bowl after healing his broken leg quickly. Donovan McNabb threw up on the field for whatever reason, whether he was partying the night before or super nervous or perhaps both. It seemed like the Patriots knew what play the Eagles had called before they ran it which lead to the Spy Gate controversy a few years later where Bill Belichick was caught videotaping opponents play calls.

Commissioner Roger Goodell launched an investigation into the matter, which revealed that the Patriots had been videotaping opponents’ signals for several years. (Did these several years include the 2004 Super Bowl? Hmmmm) As a result of the investigation, Bill Belichick was fined $500,000, the highest fine ever imposed on an NFL coach, and the Patriots were fined $250,000. Additionally, the team forfeited their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Chip Kelly’s Fast-Paced Experiment (2013-2015)

Chip Kelly’s tenure as head coach brought a radical change in offensive philosophy, emphasizing a fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. While initially promising, Kelly’s approach ultimately led to mixed results and controversy, resulting in his departure after the 2015 season. This fast-paced offense clearly works in many situations in college football, but whether it was because his Eagles roster didn’t like it or some other reason it didn’t work with the Eagles NFL team very well. His second year felt like a very dysfunctional pro football team with lots of confusion on the field and disarray.

Doug Pederson and Super Bowl Glory (2016-2020)

Doug Pederson took over as head coach in 2016 and achieved the ultimate goal in 2018 when he led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory. His aggressive coaching style and “Philly Special” play in Super Bowl LII will forever be etched in Eagles history.

Doug Pederson’s tenure as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles was marked by both success and innovation, with one of the most iconic moments in NFL history, the “Philly Special” play, standing out as a defining moment of his coaching career. Let’s explore Doug Pederson’s time as head coach and the unforgettable Philly Special play that helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII.

Doug Pederson’s Coaching Journey

Doug Pederson was hired as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2016. His hiring was met with some skepticism, as he had never been a head coach in the NFL before. However, Pederson’s background as a former NFL quarterback and his experience as an assistant coach under Andy Reid, including a stint as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, provided him with the foundation needed to lead an NFL team.

The 2017 Super Bowl Run

One of the most remarkable aspects of Doug Pederson’s coaching tenure with the Eagles was the 2017 season. Led by quarterback Carson Wentz, the Eagles had a strong regular season and secured the top seed in the NFC. However, Wentz suffered a season-ending injury late in the season, thrusting backup quarterback Nick Foles into the starting role. Take a look at this Eagles T-shirt.

Despite concerns about Foles’ ability to lead the team, Pederson’s coaching prowess came to the forefront. He adapted the offense to fit Foles’ strengths, emphasizing a balanced attack and quick decision-making. The Eagles continued their winning ways in the playoffs, reaching Super Bowl LII.

The Philly Special Play

Super Bowl LII, held on February 4, 2018, pitted the Eagles against the New England Patriots. It was a closely contested game throughout, with both teams trading blows. However, one moment in particular would etch Doug Pederson’s name into football lore—the “Philly Special.”

The Philly Special play unfolded in a critical moment during the game. On fourth-and-goal near the end of the first half, with the Eagles leading 15-12, Pederson decided to go for it rather than attempt a field goal. What followed was a brilliantly executed trick play.

Instead of lining up for a traditional snap, the Eagles’ offense shifted into an unconventional formation. Foles, who was also acting as the team’s placeholder, moved behind the right tackle. The direct snap went to running back Corey Clement, who pitched the ball to tight end Trey Burton, a former college quarterback. As Burton rolled to his right, he threw a pass to Nick Foles, who had slipped into the end zone unnoticed. Foles caught the touchdown pass, and the play became an instant classic.

The Philly Special gave the Eagles a crucial touchdown and swung the momentum in their favor. They went on to win Super Bowl LII by a score of 41-33, securing their first-ever Super Bowl championship.

Legacy of Doug Pederson and the Philly Special

Doug Pederson’s willingness to take risks and his innovative play-calling, as demonstrated by the Philly Special, endeared him to Eagles fans and solidified his place in NFL history. He proved that a coach could adapt and succeed even in the face of adversity, such as losing a star quarterback.

Pederson’s tenure with the Eagles was marked by his ability to connect with his players, make strategic decisions, and inspire confidence. While his time as head coach ultimately came to an end in Philadelphia, his legacy lives on as the coach who delivered the Eagles their long-awaited Super Bowl victory, with the Philly Special serving as the exclamation point to a remarkable season.

Nick Sirianni (2021-present)

As of the present day, the Eagles have continued to evolve under new head coach Nick Sirianni. With a focus on rebuilding and developing young talent, the team is striving to regain its competitive edge in the NFL.

Nick Sirianni’s Coaching Style

Nick Sirianni was named the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2021, succeeding Doug Pederson. Sirianni brought a reputation as an offensive-minded coach and a background in developing quarterbacks. He had previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.

One of the key aspects of Sirianni’s coaching philosophy is adaptability. He believes in tailoring his offensive schemes to the strengths of his players, which is especially important for the quarterback position. This adaptability was expected to be valuable for the Eagles, given their quarterback situation at the time.

Sirianni is also known for his attention to detail and a focus on fundamentals. He emphasizes discipline and hard work, which are traits that can help build a winning culture within a team. Take a look at this Eagles T-shirt.

The Chiefs beat The Eagles 38-35 in the 2023 Super Bowl on February 12, 2023. It was a close game and the key moments were Jalen Hurts fumble for a Chiefs touchdown, the punt return by the Chiefs late in the game all the way down to the Eagles 5 yard line which set up the winning touchdown and the horrific “keep them in front of you” defensive scheme by Jonathan Gannon. Gannon did not blitz even one time during this Super Bowl. There was also a defensive holding call on the Eagles late in the game that is debated to this day. Big credit and respect to the Chiefs but of course that holding call by the referee will go down in INFAMY for Eagles fans.

Conclusion

To say it’s challenging to be an NFL coach would be an understatement.  Many of the players make more money than the coach so that’s a weird dynamic. Everything you do is scrutinized by the passionate fan base. Long hours and lots of planning and then comes the intense emotions and adrenaline rush of the live games where you have to make many adjustments during the game. The Philadelphia Eagles’ coaching history over the last century has been a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and challenges. From the early struggles to the Super Bowl glory, the Eagles have seen it all. Each coach brought their unique approach and left their mark on the franchise, contributing to the rich tapestry of Eagles football. As the team continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this storied history. Click here to read about all the different OWNERS of The Philadelphia Eagles.