Eagles Rumors

The Eagles have interviewed Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Jon Hoke for the still vacant defensive coordinator position.

That makes three secondary coaches (Hoke, Darren Perry, Dennis Allen) amongst the candidates for the job (Allen was hired by the Broncos).

Hoke has been in the NFL for nine years, seven with the Texans and the last two with the Bears.

Various reports have the Eagles interested in interviewing Green Bay safeties coach Darren Perry.  Perry is 42 and a rising star in the coaching ranks. 

He made a lateral move from the Steelers to the Packers, having coached the secondary with both teams.  It is unlikely he’d make another lateral move to Philly.

Yesterday afternoon the news broke that Jeff Fisher was going to be leaving the Titans.  This was a big surprise for the league.  He had been with the organization for seventeen years.

Jeff Fisher is widely respected throughout the league, and without a doubt would be a candidate for any head coaching position as long as he’s available. 

So it was with great surprise that only a few hours after the news hit of his availability, ESPN was indicating that he was a candidate for the Eagles Defensive Coordinator position.  John Clayton supported this with the “scoop” that Andy Reid had, just last evening, told all candidates for the DC position that the search was over.

So with this episode only a few hours behind us, let’s take a moment to review when not to trust ESPN in regards to Eagles “news”:

• When John Clayton is forced onto TV to talk about a surprise development
• When the proposed “scoop” makes no sense (Fisher taking a coordinator position?)
• Any time Sal Paolantonio is involved
• If not even a single one of the beat writers had any clue about what was being reported

Last night was pure speculation from Clayton, but it took on a life of its own when Clayton reported (incorrectly) that Andy Reid had told candidates the search was over. 

The Eagles announced they have fired (well, technically not renewed the contract of) another defensive coach today, linebacker coach Bill Shuey.  The linebackers were an extremely disappointing unit this year.

The Eagles have yet to hire a defensive coordinator, but it is clear the team has a candidate in mind and it is likely they are confident that candidate will take the job.

Smart money continues to be on Mike Trgovac.

Another DC candidate the Eagles interviewed (but did not offer the job to) has been hired by the Denver Broncos, according to Alex Marvez.

Mike Trgovac still seems like the Eagles first choice here.  He’ll be available the moment the Super Bowl has ended. 

The Browns will be announcing today that Dick Jauron has been hired as their new Defensive Coordinator.

This leaves the Eagles with two known candidates:  Mike Trgovac (with the Packers and thus unable to interview) and Dennis Allen (the Saints DB Coach).

This does not appear to have an imminent resolution coming, especially with our belief that the Eagles really like Trgovac and his season could be extended into February.  Expect the Eagles to continue to interview new people though, and we’ll keep you updated when and if that happens.

Update (1-19-2011 10:47 pm) — Per Jay Glazer, the Eagles have received permission and will interview Dennis Allen, Saints CB Coach (who is just 37 years old). 

Update (1-19-2011 1:50 pm) — The Eagles have announced that Jim Washburn is the new Defensive Line coach. 

Jason Babin:  “It stinks that he’s leaving.  He’s the best position coach I’ve ever had.”

Update (1-19-2011 1:14 pm) – It appears Jim Washburn is weighing offers from the Eagles and Titans (presumably including a raise and additional responsibilities).  Additionally, should Washburn come to Philly, keep an eye on Albert Haynesworth’s situation in DC.  No one would know him better than Washburn. 

Trgovac was the six year Defensive Coordinator of the Panthers before being let go and moving to Green Bay, where he’s been the defensive line coach for two years.  He is being talked about as the potential DC of the Eagles.  Trgovac’s defenses were consistently above average in Carolina, always in the top half of the league in points allowed and three times in the top 10.  The Eagles could not legally talk to him until the Packers season is over.

Jim Washburn is interviewing with the Eagles for the vacant defensive line coach position, one he currently holds in Tennessee.

The Eagles have decided to make a massive change in direction on the defensive side of the ball and have fired Coordinator Sean McDermott and Defensive Line Coach Rory Seagrest. 

Potential replacements include Dick Jauron, who was on staff last season as an assistant.  Others are Jim Mora, Jr and former Cardinals DC Billy Davis. 

Update:  It appears Jim Mora, Jr is going to be the new DC of the Broncos.

Update II:  Please have a read through Tommy Lawlor’s list of potential candidates. 

Position:  Safety
Age:  30
2010:  111 tackles, 3 INTs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Mikell is a player who will have suitors, though it is unlikely a team would sign him for more than a three year deal.  This should keep him affordable for the Eagles.

He’s not an elite playmaker by any means, but he provides steady and savvy play at a position the Eagles have little depth and many injuries.   There will be other veteran safeties available on the market, the question is whether the Eagles want to risk making a mistake with an unknown when they already have a player who provides steady play back there.

Prediction:  Back with Eagles in 2011.

For folks who have become familiar with EaglesRumors, you know that the off-season is our busy period.  We specialize in free agency, the draft, and training camp and look forward to another stretch of providing the latest news, gossip, and analysis.This year all off-season activity has the giant CBA cloud hanging over it, of course.  But we tend to believe there’s no way, even as arrogant as they are, the NFL owners will force a lockout.So with that in mind, let’s get this off-season started with a little talk about what we’ll be covering.

• Potential new contracts for DeSean Jackson, Michael Vick, Stewart Bradley, and Quintin Mikell.
• The free agent pool, including newly available Nnamdi Asomugha.
• Injury updates to guys like Jamaal Jackson, Brandon Graham, Stewart Bradley, and Leonard Weaver.
• Draft coverage and player analysis.
• Trade rumors.

One note on Asomugha and the free agent period.  There will be no signing of free agents until a new CBA is completed.  The signing of veteran free agents during typical off-seasons starts in the beginning of March.  Let’s hope a CBA is reached sooner than later.And one final note that should be included here.  Several folks have emailed to ask what happened to the Rotoworld news widget that appeared on the sidebar.  It appears Rotoworld has disabled these, and we’re working on getting it back in some form or another.