A pair of reports have revealed that as the Philadelphia Eagles undergo their search for a new defensive coordinator, two major coaches from the NFC East — including a recently fired head coach — are among the candidates for the job.
Two years ago, the Eagles’ defense was a core part of their outstanding 2022 campaign and a major reason why they were able to reach the Super Bowl that season. However, after defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon took his talents to Arizona to be the Cardinals head coach, there were some fears the Philly defense may regress in 2023.
Related: Jalen Hurts defied Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff ‘more frequently’ late in 2023 season
Well, those concerns were realized when the once formidable unit gave up 30 or more points six times in 2023 and Sean Desai — Gannon’s replacement — was stripped of his play-calling duties during the season. Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia replaced him, unfortunately for the Eagles, the switch made no difference as they coughed up the NFC East lead and were outscored 32-9 in their playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While it seems like head coach Nick Sirianni will hold on to his job despite the increased speculation the defensive side of the ball will get a major overhaul. Desai has been fired, Patricia will not be retained, and the organization is now undergoing interviews to find the next leader of their defense. And the last few days have brought some interesting news about a couple of candidates.
Ron Rivera and Wink Martindale are candidates for Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator job
The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini has revealed that the Philadelphia Eagles are actually talking to a pair of coaches from inside the division about the position. On Wednesday, she claimed that after resigning from his post with the New York Giants, veteran defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale is in the running for the position.
Related: Matt Patricia also out of a job with the Philadelphia Eagles
Then on Monday, Russini reported that recently fired Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera will return to his roots and is also in the running for the Eagles DC job.
Martindale has served as a DC in Denver and Baltimore before taking over the Giants job in 2022. Rivera’s work as a DC for the Bears and Chargers earned him a head coach job with the Panthers before being fired and moving on to the same job in Washington.
