DB coach Undlin to Detroit
DeFilippo gets added to the candidate list for Philly OC
Add defensive backs coach to the list of vacancies on the Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff.
And while you’re at it, add former Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo to the candidate list for the open offensive coordinator position.
Cory Undlin on Monday was hired by the Detroit Lions as their defensive coordinator following the recent resignation of Paul Pasqualoni.
DeFilippo came free the same day after being fired from his job as offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though it was the second job he’s lost in as many seasons, DeFilippo was immensely popular here during his time as quarterbacks coach. He was believed to have had a lot to do with the MVP-caliber season Carson Wentz enjoyed in 2017 before suffering a seasonending knee injury, as well as Nick Foles’ success in directing the offense the rest of the way.
DeFilippo had been reunited with Foles to start the 2019 season, but Foles was injured in the season opener and lost his starting job shortly after his return as the Jaguars’ season went south in a hurry.
The Eagles last Thursday announced the dismissal of offensive coordinator Mike Groh and wide receivers coach Carson Walch. Undlin’s job wasn’t thought to be in jeopardy.
Undlin joined the Eagles staff in 2015, Chip Kelly’s final year as head coach. He was one of the coaches Doug Pederson kept after being hired the next year.
Undlin’s working relationship with Lions head coach Matt Patricia might have been the dealmaker. They were on the same staff in New England in 2004, the season the Patriots beat the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
This will be the sixth NFL team for Undlin, 48, and his first assignment as a defensive coordinator since he did the same job at Cal Lutheran in 2000 and 2001.
DeFilippo has been offensive coordinator of the Browns, Vikings and Jaguars, failing to hold the job for more than one season at all three stops. He was fired by the Vikings late in the 2018 season.
But his tenure in Philadelphia is considered to be a tremendous success.
The Eagles also could be losing a valued personnel man. Andrew Berry, who was hired away from the Cleveland Browns before the 2019 season to be the Eagles’ vice president of football operations, is considered the front-runner to become the Browns’ new general manager following the recent firing of John Dorsey, according to reports.