Doug Pederson has received substantial criticism from former NFL general manager Mike Lombardi.

“Everybody knows Pederson isn’t a head coach. He might be less qualified to coach a team than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Lombardi said during The Ringer video segment. “When will the Eagles admit their mistake? Will they throw away 2017 by stubbornly sticking to the Pederson Principle?”

The criticism of Pederson from Lombardi has led Eagles' players and coaches to make the link to Jim Schwartz, who has worked with Lombardi in the past.

Schwartz is defensive coordinator of the Eagles and a former head coach.

“He walks around the building like he thinks he’s the head coach,” one player said.

One Eagles staffer said the only coach who probably doesn’t think Schwartz is trying to undercut Pederson is Pederson. 

The Eagles haven't had a defensive-minded head coach in more than 20 years.