Report: Doug Pederson Likely to Be Named Chiefs' Next Offensive Coordinator

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that the Kansas City Chiefs and head coach Andy Reid are close to inking a deal that would name quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson as the team's offensive coordinator.

"

Hearing that doug pederson is in kc to finalize deal to become #chiefs offensive coordinator. Just landed so not sure if out there

— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 10, 2013"

Pederson, who spent the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (formerly as the club's offensive quality control coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach), was a journeyman quarterback throughout the league from 1991 until his retirement in 2004.

He started 17 games between the 1999 and 2000 seasons—first in Philadelphia as then-rookie Donovan McNabb studied behind him and then in Cleveland while Tim Couch awaited his shot at the job. 

While the potential offensive coordinator hire will demand the majority of headlines, the Chiefs look to be closing in on adding another pivotal member of the coaching staff: the trainer. 

As Howard Eskin of Fox 29 in Philadelphia reported, the Chiefs parted ways with their trainer on Monday.

"

KC Chiefs released their trainer 2day. Could #eagles athletic trainer @proatc rick burkholder b on way to enjoy ribs w A. Reid

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) January 7, 2013"

And as predicted, the services of Eagles head athletic trainer, Rick Burkholder, appear to be shadowing Reid to Kansas City.

"

Off to see Coach Reid! twitter.com/proatc/status/…

— Rick Burkholder (@proatc) January 9, 2013"

The news will likely cause a few ears to perk up around Kansas City, considering that the injury bug has feasted on the Chiefs roster throughout the past two seasons.

As many Kansas Citians will recall, the team's final exhibition of 2011 ended with tight end Tony Moeaki tearing his ACL and being placed on injured reserve. Moeaki's injury sparked a snowballing trend, as safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles suffered the same season-ending fate in subsequent weeks.  

2012 proved to be much like the year before it, as 11 Chiefs players eventually graced the injured reserve list. 

There is no (apparent) correlation between Kansas City's recent outbreak of crippling injuries and the team's strength and conditioning program. However, the organization seems intent on clearing the house and its slate.

On the heels of a 2-14 season, too much change is never enough. 

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