There has been plenty of buzz since Chip Kelly officially announced his staff on Friday. Here is a sample of what people are talking about.
Blog Archives
Reaction To Chip Kelly’s Coaching Staff
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.
Billy Davis In the Mix For Eagles’ DC Job
We are closer to the Eagles naming a defensive coordinator, though it doesn’t feel that way.
A common thought as the rest of Chip Kelly’s staff got filled out was that there was a defensive coordinator all but locked in, and it was just a matter of said coach getting through with his Super Bowl run before it became official.
The presumed candidate was San Francisco defensive backs coach Ed Donatell, whom Brian Dawkins strongly endorsed on Sunday. There was little to suggest otherwise. Early hot names like Georgia’s Todd Grantham had cooled, Giants linebackers coach Jim Herrmann pulled out of the running, and Donatell’s name was the only one that had any stick to it.
Maybe he still is the guy. But as the days trudge on and the news cycle flips over, a couple new names have made their way into the conversation.
Dawkins on Donatell: ‘I Love That Move’
If Chip Kelly does in fact tab Ed Donatell to be his defensive coordinator, he has the backing of one of the all-time Eagle greats.
“If he’s the guy, I love that move,” said Brian Dawkins in a phone conversation with Birds 24/7.
The Steve Spagnuolo Question
A new name entered the public discussion about the Eagles’ defensive coordinator opening Thursday when the Saints fired Steve Spagnuolo.
Sean Payton explained that the Saints are moving to a 3-4. Of course, it didn’t help that New Orleans’ defense was terrible last year.
Andy Reid and the Eagles tried to hire Spagnuolo (in some capacity) last offseason, but he decided to go to the Saints. He spent eight seasons as an assistant in Philadelphia from 1999 to 2006 (quality control, defensive backs, linebackers). Spagnuolo was the Giants’ defensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 before going to St. Louis. The Rams went 10-38 in three seasons under Spagnuolo’s direction.
So, the question is: Should the Eagles give him a serious look as defensive coordinator?
Dave Fipp To Coach Special Teams
The Eagles won’t officially announce their coaching staff until every position is filled; that’s how Chip Kelly wants it.
Safe to say, though, that Dave Fipp will be named special teams coordinator when that time comes.
Coaching Buzz: Herrmann Withdraws Name From DC Search
Some news to pass along regarding the Eagles’ coaching search, which we now know will no longer include Jim Herrmann.
Report: Kelly Names Pat Shurmur Offensive Coordinator
Chip Kelly‘s staff will have a little Andy Reid flavor to it.
The Eagles will name Pat Shurmur offensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Latest On the Eagles And Todd Grantham
Word on Todd Grantham may come down soon.
The belief from the University of Georgia side is that Chip Kelly has already spoken with the Bulldog’s defensive coordinator, and will make a decision as early as Friday on whether he is the right fit. If the job is offered, Grantham is expected to take it.
An Early Read On the QB Situation
Now that we have had a chance to speak with Chip Kelly for the first time, let’s dive a little deeper into the quarterback situation.
Kelly was asked specifically following his press conference whether he can move forward and run what he wants to run with Nick Foles as his quarterback.
Most Popular at Phillymag.com
Sheil
Follow @SheilKapadia Email SheilSheil Kapadia has been writing about the Eagles since 2008. His previous Philly.com blog, Moving the Chains, was named one of the best in the state by the Associated Press. Sheil's main joys in life are family, football and finding good parking spots.
Tim
Follow @Tim_McManus Email TimTim McManus is a bulldog reporter with a nose for news and story angles that will get people talking. He'll talk about it himself on 97.5 The Fanatic, where he serves as a host and Eagles beat reporter. Tim, an award-winning journalist, will be with the team around the clock.
