You've probably heard by now that Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeff Lurie canned head coach Chip Kelly after what can only be described as a disastrous season. Despite a 26-21 record (.563) and three straight finishes in the top two of the NFC East, Kelly was fired following a string of head-scratching personnel moves. His push for more control over the roster backfired with the headline grabbing additions of Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray and more. His failure to meet expectations was enough to cost him his job.
So who will have the unenviable task of following that act?
Fox Sports reports that in addition to the highly sought after Sean Payton, the Eagles are also interested in Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and New York Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
Gase, 37, is also being courted by the Miami Dolphins and it's easy to see why. Jay Cutler, following a 2014 season that almost led to his release under a new Bears regime, has found new life in his first season under Gase. Before that, the OC worked with Peyton Manning for two seasons in Denver. The resume is rock solid here.
Similarly, McAdoo helped Eli Manning right the ship when he joined the Giants in 2014. Before that, Manning was looking like a lost cause with 18 touchdowns against 27 interceptions in 2013. Since then, he has tossed 65 scores with just 28 picks. McAdoo has squeezed the most he can get out of an offense with serious issues up front and in the backfield.
Austin, meanwhile, has come back down to earth a year after the Lions finished as arguably the NFL's top defense. Though Detroit is just a middling defensive unit this year (acceptable given the offseason loss of Ndamukong Suh), Austin is still considered one of the better defensive minds in the league.
Philly has already interviewed running backs coach Duce Staley for the position.
We'll keep you posted as more details regarding the team's head coaching search emerge.
