7 Potential Candidates the Eagles may Consider to Replace Sean Desai
In a move that has been widely anticipated for weeks, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has officially parted ways with defensive coordinator Sean Desai, as reported by Ian Rapoport. The decision follows the Eagles’ challenging season, marked by six losses in their last seven games, with an average margin of defeat at 15 points. Sirianni’s move to dismiss Desai further solidifies the head coach’s return for the upcoming season, according to NFL sources.
The Philadelphia Eagles Announce the Firing of Defensive Coordinator Sean Desai
Desai, who was relieved of play calling duties before Week 15, saw his departure confirmed after the Eagles concluded their second-half struggles with a 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the defensive coordinator position now vacant, attention turns to potential replacements.
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Among the notable candidates considered are:
- Don “Wink” Martindale:
- Defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
- Oversaw a defense ranked 27th in 2023 but led the NFL in total takeaways (31).
- Previously contributed to three top-10 defensive units as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator from 2018-21, winning a Super Bowl as a linebackers’ coach.
- Leslie Frazier:
- Defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.
- Successful tenure with the Bills, leading a top-five defense in each of his final three seasons.
- Finalist for the Giants’ head coaching job.
- Jesse Minter:
- Defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan.
- Led college football’s top-ranked defense in 2023, finishing first in both scoring defense and yards allowed.
- Interviewed for the Eagles’ defensive coordinator position last offseason.
- Glenn Schumann:
- Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Georgia Bulldogs.
- Calls plays for the two-time defending champion Bulldogs.
- Previously interviewed with the Eagles for the same position.
- Eric Washington:
- Senior defensive assistant/defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills.
- Played a key role in Buffalo’s top-ranked defense in 2021.
- Previously served as the defensive line coach and defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
- Ejiro Evero:
- Defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
- Transformed the Panthers’ defense into a solid unit, ranking third in passing yards allowed and sixth in passing touchdowns.
- Previously served as the defensive coordinator in Denver.
- Chris Shula:
- Defensive backs coach, passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
- Worked on the same Chargers staff as Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.
- Grandson of legendary coach Don Shula.
- Jim Leonhard:
- Senior football analyst for Illinois.
- Former Wisconsin defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.
- Interviewed with the Eagles last offseason.
- Al Harris:
- Defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Played a pivotal role in developing notable defensive backs for the Cowboys.
- Previously a defensive back for the Eagles from 1998-2002.
- Teryl Austin:
- Secondary coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Extensive coaching experience, including stints as a defensive coordinator for various NFL teams.
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As the Philadelphia Eagles news to seek to revamp their defensive coaching staff, the selection of a new defensive coordinator will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s defensive strategy for the upcoming season. The decision will likely impact the team’s culture and performance on the field, making it a key focal point for the organization in the offseason.
