Vic Fangio has taken the first steps in constructing his staff with the Philadelphia Eagles by making some key coaching changes. He had to let go of former defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and is also expected to part ways with defensive backs coach D.K. McDonald before he can finalize his assistant coaching roster. This is all part of Fangio’s effort to assemble a new coaching team to shore up the team’s defense.

One of the major changes made by Fangio is the reported hiring of Clint Hurtt as the new defensive line coach. Hurtt and Fangio have a history together from their time with the Chicago Bears, where Fangio served as the defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2016, and Hurtt was the outside linebackers coach. The move reunites the two after their successful past collaboration.

Clint Hurtt, aged 45, was previously with the Seattle Seahawks, where he has held various coaching positions, including defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and defensive line coach. His experience and expertise make him a solid addition to Fangio’s defense coaching team. Additionally, Karl Scott, the senior defensive assistant at the Seahawks, is reported to be moving to Philadelphia to join the Eagles in a similar position.

With these new additions, the Eagles are preparing for a new phase of team development, and Hurtt will be instrumental in the continued growth of young defensive talents in the team, such as Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, and Milton Williams. These players will be the focus of Hurtt’s efforts as they enter upcoming seasons and work to solidify their roles within the Eagles’ defense.

Despite challenges faced by Hurtt’s previous defense, particularly in a recent NFL season, he has played a key role in mentoring and developing notable defensive players in his career. His guidance has contributed to the success of talented pass-rushers as seen in the performances of players like Uchenna Nwosu, Darrell Taylor, and Boye Mafe.

To acquire Hurtt, the Eagles first had to move on from Tracy Rocker, the former defensive line coach. Rocker was part of head coach Nick Sirianni’s original coaching staff and played a significant role in the Eagles’ impressive 70-sack season, falling just short of the NFL record set by the 1989 Minnesota Vikings.

Additionally, Karl Scott and Clint Hurtt’s arrival also raises questions about the future of D.K. McDonald, the current defensive backs coach for the Eagles. McDonald was promoted to his current position after the departure of Dennard Wilson, who has since left for the Baltimore Ravens. As the coaching staff continues to evolve, changes in roles and responsibilities will be a key focus for the Eagles as they seek to improve the team’s performance, especially in pass defense and the secondary.

Clint Hurtt and Karl Scott will be working closely together to address the Eagles’ pass defense, which was ranked near the bottom of the league. Scott’s vast experience, particularly in developing and mentoring defensive backs, will be essential as the Eagles look to elevate their secondary’s performance. This is especially crucial in relation to players like James Bradberry, who have shown potential but may need further refinement under the guidance of the new coaching staff.

As the Eagles look towards a new era of defensive coaching, the additions of Clint Hurtt and Karl Scott are indicative of the team’s commitment to revitalizing its defense and nurturing young talents for long-term success. The changes reflect the organization’s focus on building a resilient and competitive team, ready to face the challenges of the NFL season.