Nick Skorich, the line coach for the football champion Philadelphia Eagles, was elevated today to head coach.

Skorich received a three year contract at a salary believed to be between $20000 and $25000 a year. He succeeds Buck Shaw, who retired at the end of last season.

The appointment was announced at a news conference at which Skorich said he would retain two members of Shaw's staff -- Jerry Williams and Charlie Gauer.

Williams is a defensive coach. Gauer works with the ends.

The selection had been expected. Skorich was considered the logical choice after the club gave Norm Van Brocklin permission to seek the head coaching job with the Minnesota Vikings, the newest National Football League entry.

Van Brocklin, the quarterback who led the Eagles to the title, was signed by the Vikings last Wednesday. Philadelphia permitted him to seek a better connection after he had refused to reconsider his decision to end his career as a player.

With Skorich at the helm, the Eagles are expected to put more emphasis on running, rather than passing. In the past the club depended largely on Van Brocklin's aerials.

Skorich, however, is a strong advocate of a balanced attack -- split between running and passing.

Skorich, who is 39 years old, played football at Cincinnati University and then had a three year professional career as a lineman under Jock Sutherland with the Pittsburgh Steelers.