Coaching Buzz: On Grantham And Donatell
Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham spoke to a group of fans gathered for national signing day Wednesday, and was vague about whether he would be returning to the program.
From the Atlanta-Journal Constitution:
Invariably came the question about Grantham’s future with Georgia. “Will you still be with us two or three years from now,” a fan asked Grantham.
“You know what? I can tell you this, that my family loves it here; I like it here a lot; and this is a very special place and I think today needs to be focused on the players we’ve got here right now and trying to get back to Atlanta,” Grantham said.
Grantham has been linked to the Eagles’ defensive coordinator job. He is also reportedly in the mix for the same post in New Orleans, and is expected to interview with the Saints Thursday.
It is possible that Chip Kelly is waiting for national signing day to pass before naming his staff. He wants to announce all his coaches at once, so the Eagles have not been confirming any coaching hires individually.
The defensive coordinator post has been particularly difficult to pin down. The Eagles interviewed Browns linebackers coach Billy Davis and have been linked to Ravens linebackers coach Ted Monachino and Niners secondary coach Ed Donatell. Kelly may want to interview assistants on the two Super Bowl teams before making a decision.
Meanwhile, Grantham’s name continues to pop up.
In regards to that Grantham interview wi/ Saints, I continue to hear the Georgia DC could end up with the Eagles. Chip Kelly thinks highly
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 6, 2013
Steve Spagnuolo is also on the market, though a source recently told Birds 24/7 that nothing is cooking there.
There is some news on the Donatell front.
#Saints contacted #49ers to attempt to interview 49ers DBs coach Ed Donatell for their DC job. He’s under contract. #49ers blocked interview
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 6, 2013
Donatell’s name surfaced as a potential target for the Eagles, then cooled. Perhaps the Niners denied the Eagles’ advances as well.