Since the Eagles’ last-season collapse was punctuated by a lopsided wild-card loss, questions have emerged regarding the job security of the team’s coaching staff. Head coach Nick Sirianni has been the subject of speculation, but he appears to be safe. 
Sirianni will take part in a press conference with general manager Howie Roseman on Wednesday, as noted by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The former’s participation in that media availability seems to put to rest any remaining questions about his status in the organization. Sirianni recently met with owner Jeffrey Lurie to discuss his future and his plans for a new set of coordinators.
As expected, Sean Desai is out after an underwhelming tenure as defensive coordinator, one which did not last the entire season. His replacement in that capacity, Matt Patricia, is likewise not in line to return. OC Brian Johnson also faces an uncertain future, though his departure could come about as a result of a head coaching opportunity. In any case, changes were needed after the manner in which a 10-1 start to Philadelphia’s season ended with the team losing six of its last seven games.
A report from earlier this month suggested Sirianni would be safe, although more recent signs pointed to some members of the organization at least preparing for the third-year coach to be let go. Instead, Sirianni is now in line to carry on with a re-vamped staff as he looks to lead the team to the postseason for a fourth straight campaign.
The Eagles are moving quickly in their bid to find a new defensive coordinator, and their first interviewee is a high-profile target. Philadelphia is set to interview Ron Rivera for the position, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. Rivera’s tenure in charge of the Commanders came to an expected end on Black Monday, leaving him free to pursue other openings. The 62-year-old recently made it clear he intends to continue his coaching career, even though doing so would require taking a coordinator posting.
Rivera added that he has spoken with multiple teams, and the Eagles are clearly one of them. Philadelphia would be highly familiar with Rivera given his time in the NFC East with Washington, and he is still regarded as one of the league’s top defensive minds. His last DC posting came with the Chargers from 2008-10, and in the final year of that stretch the team ranked first in total defense and 10th in points allowed.
In addition to Rivera, the Eagles have an interview lined up with ex-Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell, Fowler adds. Caldwell was one of several defensive staffers fired at the end of the season after Jacksonville underwhelmed in a number of capacities. He played for the Eagles from 1998-2001, so a deal allowing him to join Sirianni’s staff would represent a reunion.
Plenty of questions – particularly at the coordinator spots – have yet to be answered in Philadelphia. More clarity will likely emerge in the coming days, though, and at a minimum the matter of Sirianni’s future is no longer in doubt.
Don’t know how you keep a guy that clearly lost his locker rooms respect and had his football team that uninterested in playing in the playoffs.
He’s their yes man. That’s why. Jeffrey and Howie never played a down of football at any level in their lives. However, they enjoy playing in their two person fantasy football league with a real franchise. Notice the majority of the organization’s coaching staff are all characters? From the head security guard to the guy who is the strength and conditioning coach and wants you to know it because he wears shorts sleeves in the freezing cold just to show the pipes. The last real staff the Eagles had was Doug’s staff. They were a mixture of professional coaches, former players and all were adults.
If Rivera gets hired he might as well wear a sign around his neck that says “interim head coach in waiting”.
I think Ron would have to be aware that he could never get the amount of control in Philadelphia that he had in Washington. The Eagles seem quite satisfied with Howie making the major decisions.
Ron Rivera’s primary task would be to teach Sirianni some class. He sure can use it.
As a Washington fan, I desperately hope that the Eagles hire Ron Rivera as DC.
Like coaches such as Norv Turner, I’m sure you remember him, Rivera is probably a better if not one of the best coordinators out there. Some guys are good like that. Now if only Norv Turner wanted to come to the Eagles as an OC but I’m thinking he’s retired for good.
I have no problem with Rivera but don’t the eagles realize how bad it looks. It’s like hiring an adult to do the job a kid can’t. Just fire Sirianni. If they get another established guy to be the OC, I’d love it but then what do you need Sirianni for at all? He failed, better guys than him won and were shown the door. Move on he’s shown you who he is and what he’s capable of doing and not doing.