PHL Anon
So, Jeffrey Lurie announced the other day while introducing Doug Pederson that the Eagles will be looking for a new head to run the player personnel department. We don’t exactly know what this position will entail. Will they be the general manager? Will they be Howie Roseman’s bitch? No one knows at this point.
But even with that uncertainty, there’s still a few guys out there that could be fit for the job. Here are my top five guys I’d like the Eagles to target and open the checkbook for.
Trent Kirchner (Seattle Seahawks)
Kirchner has risen rather rapidly from a public relations and scouting intern with the Seahawks 15 years ago to larger roles in Carolina and Washington and now to co-director of player personnel in Seattle. Sources tell me it’s Kirchner who helped build the Seattle free agency board the past few years and that he helped work on the signings of big names like Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. Seattle consistently has one of the best rosters in football. It’s a group effort, of course, but Kirchner receives a lot of praise.
Chris Ballard (Kansas City Chiefs)
Ballard’s work with Chicago has been noted for years, but it’s what he has done with GM John Dorsey in Kansas City the past two years that’s been most impressive. The Chiefs have loaded up via the draft but have also smartly signed free agents. The more Kansas City wins, the brighter his star gets.
Eric DeCosta (Baltimore Ravens)
DeCosta’s name comes up every year, but he hasn’t left the Ravens yet. The thought is he’ll take over when Ozzie Newsome decides to step away, but there’s no indication as to whether that’s happening in the near future. Regardless, DeCosta is very well respected around the league and viewed as innovative and hard-working in the building. If and when he wants to entertain offers outside of Baltimore, there will be interviews.
Omar Khan (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Khan is still young (38) but has been mentioned in GM discussions for years. Working side by side with general manager Kevin Colbert, Khan is often responsible for managing the salary cap and interacting with player agents and fellow executives. Khan is a sharp guy with an acumen for making things work with veteran players and tight budgetary limitations. A Rooney protégé who’s been groomed in the right organization, Khan has been a part of three Super Bowl staffs.
Terry McDonough (Arizona Cardinals)
McDonough is a highly regarded executive and the right-hand man to Cardinals GM Steve Keim in Arizona. The Cardinals’ roster is the perfect mix of veterans, rookies and role players. McDonough oversees college and pro personnel and has moved into an expanded role in contract negotiations.
Marc Ross