Coaching Fits for the Eagles Defensive Coordinator Role
As we await a potential decision on Nick Sirianni’s job, we do know that the Eagles will be looking for a new defensive coordinator. The Eagles defense was atrocious this year, especially in the passing game. They ranked second-worst in passing yards allowed per game and were torn to shreds late in the year. It would benefit them to hire a coordinator who is very knowledgeable about the secondary and can bring in a mix of coverages and creativity to the backend, as opposed to someone more creative in the front seven. For the Eagles, there are a healthy number of options that offer different options in experience and upside.
Known Commodities
Brandon Staley, Former Head Coach of the Los Angeles Chargers
Staley’s tenure went horrifically in LA as the head coach. He made terrible executive decisions and really could never get their defense going either. However, sometimes having to deal with head coach responsibilities will diminish someone’s impact on just one side of the ball. Before being hired by the Los Angeles Chargers, Staley was seen as a defensive genius. Going back to a more focused role will likely greatly benefit Staley and revive his coaching career. As the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator, Staley was awesome in creating unique, opponent-based coverages week to week. If he could bring that to Philadelphia, it could be a massive difference-maker.
Leslie Frazier, Former Long-time Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach
Frazier has been around the NFL for a long time. He started his NFL coaching career with former Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid as a secondary coach in 1999. Also, he has spent time as a defensive coordinator with the Bengals, Vikings, and most recently the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, Frazier also has three years of Head Coach experience with the Minnesota Vikings and has spent time with the Buccaneers and the Ravens coaching staff. Frazier has ample experience and has seen a level of success everywhere he’s gone. He would be seen as a safer option but may lack the upside of other candidates. Yet, Frazier could be a reliable presence and teacher for the young Eagles defensive core.
More Unknown Commodities with Upside
Al Harris, Dallas Cowboys Defensive Backs Coach
Al Harris is a very intriguing option for the Eagles. Harris was a Former cornerback who played for the Eagles, Packers, Dolphins, and Rams. He started his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Chiefs from 2013-2018. Since being hired in 2020, he has served as the Dallas Cowboys secondary coach and has been tremendous for them. This past season, the Cowboys ranked fifth in passing yards allowed this year. Moreover, he deserves credit for the development of players like Trevon Diggs, and Daron Bland. Even with limited coaching experience, Harris could be the right guy to mentor the young Eagles secondary.
Jesse Minter, Michigan Defensive Coordinator
Minter is a hot name around the NFL and is reported to be the leading candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator position. Michigan was the number one defense in college football this year and a big reason why they won the National Championship. Most of Minter’s coaching experience is in college, but he also spent time with the Ravens in 2020. Minter is a hot name in NFL circles, but some expect him to remain with Jim Harbaugh if he were to get an NFL head coaching job this offseason. However, if that’s not the case, the Eagles should be heavily interested in Minter. He’s a creative coach who has coached a plethora of NFL-caliber players in the secondary.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
