Nick Piccone
The Eagles’ quarterbacks coach, John DeFilippo, already has a few interviews set up as a head coaching candidate, according to Mike Garafolo. The Chicago Bears, who just fired John Fox, and the Arizona Cardinals, who are now left coachless after Bruce Arians decided to retire, have both requested interviews with DeFilippo.
Bears are setting up an interview with Eagles QB coach John DeFilippo for later this week, sources tell me and @RapSheet. His work with Carson Wentz has made him a legit candidate.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 1, 2018
Cardinals have also requested to speak to DeFilippo, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 1, 2018
DeFilippo joined the Eagles during the 2016 offseason and has worked with Carson Wentz from the very start. Last year, the Eagles did not allow permission for the New York Jets to discuss their offensive coordinator position with DeFilippo. I’m not sure how long that leash is when it comes to an offensive coordinator position, and there is no leash when it comes to a potential head coaching position.
DeFilippo was the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Eagles.
Browns QB Josh McCown finished with a 93.3 quarterback rating, the fifth-highest mark in franchise history, while TE Gary Barnidge emerged as a threat in the passing game, setting career highs in receptions (79 – third among NFL tight ends), receiving yards (1,043 – fourth among NFL tight ends) and receiving touchdowns (nine – fourth among NFL tight ends). Before 2015, Barnidge had recorded only 44 catches for 603 yards and three touchdowns in 91 career games.
Prior to joining the Browns, DeFilippo served as the quarterbacks coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012-14. In his final season in Oakland, DeFilippo helped develop second-round pick Derek Carr, who led all 2014 rookies in completions (348), passing yards (3,270) and passing touchdowns (21). Carr’s 348 completions are the second most by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Sam Bradford’s 354 completions in 2010, and his 12 interceptions were the fewest by a rookie signal caller with at least 450 passing attempts in NFL history.
A QB whisperer indeed. The Eagles may not be able to hold onto DeFilippo this time around. However, offensive coordinator Frank Reich also got a couple looks last offseason, so if he heads elsewhere, I could see DeFilippo getting the offensive coordinator gig in Philly should he not get a head coaching job elsewhere.
Let’s just hope the Eagles have a plan in place should they lose a few of their coordinators/coaches this offseason. And with Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas at the helm, I have to believe that they do.
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