Eagles fire McDermott
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Eagles fire McDermott
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
After two seasons as defensive coordinator, the Eagles have fired Sean McDermott, the team confirmed.
A replacement has not yet been named, according to an Eagles source.
McDermott's firing comes just five days after head coach Andy Reid said that McDermott would be back next season. The 36-year-old's defense had regressed in nearly every statistical category this past season. Despite such alarming numbers Reid gave McDermott, who had worked his way up from the bottom, a vote of confidence on Monday.
“You’re dealing with a guy that’s a tremendous worker and is a very smart individual,” Reid said a day after the Eagles’ season came to an end with a 21-16 playoff loss to the Packers. “And so I look at it a little bit different than what you do in that I’ve seen him work with young guys, I’ve seen him work through injuries, I’ve seen him stay positive through those situations and still put us in a position to win football games.”
Apparently, that was not enough to keep his job. Reid actually told McDermott that he was going in another direction on Thursday, a league source said.
Reid is away this weekend and will not have a comment, a team spokesman said.
Attempts to reach McDermott have been unsuccessful.
"I'm really surprised because I didn't expect that to happen," Eagles safety Quintin Mikell said in a text message. "I don't know how to take it."
Defensive backs coach Dick Jauron, who the Eagles granted permission to the Browns to interview for their vacant defensive coordinator position, is a candidate, according to a team source. The Eagles are expected, though, to interview a number of other possible replacements.
There are a number of former defensive coordinators looking for jobs, including ex-Browns coach Rob Ryan and former 49ers head coach Mike Singletary.
McDermott, of course, now joins that group. The Eagles promoted him in July, 2009, just days before his predecessor, Jim Johnson, died from cancer. McDermott worked under Johnson for most of his time with the Eagles. He used his aggressive style of blitzing, but his approach was different in many other ways.
McDermott liked to tinker with his defense and substitute players in and out during a series. He dealt with his share of significant injuries in two seasons, but the defense was a major crutch for the Eagles this season. It allowed a franchise-worst 31 passing touchdowns and had the worst red zone efficiency in the NFL since 1998.
"That's business," Eagles defensive end Darryl Tapp said when contacted. "Honestly, the last I heard he was coming back. Yeah, I'm disappointed. You work with a guy all year long you get to like him. But this is the business we work in."
good move— Dallas Sucks- A defensive coordinator who fields a truly offensive defense needs to hit the bricks. Buh bye.— CiceroSpuriousDeodatus
- Whoever the next D-Coordinator is won't have much different luck unless the front office seriously upgrades this group of scabs they call a defense. But hey, we needed a scapegoat
- Exactly right. No one in this organization knows anything about drafting. — coloradoeagle
- Way to Go! Let's go to a 3-4— Four4Four
Reid thought Jauron would be on the staff one more year as DB's Coach. He must have been offered the Cleveland job.— Hazy- Nah nah nah nah— Mike215
- I feel sorry for the young man. In retrospect after Jim Johnson passed, they should have named him interim defensive coordinator. Given how the Eagles defense did not show up in the last two games of last year, he should have been replaced for this season. Still, he only coached the players Andy Reid and the GM got him.If they felt he was so bad then they should also get rid of the guys that gave him those palyers— angrybear
- Now go to Pittsburgh and get Keith Butler!!!!!!!!— bkg126
I can't say I am not happy. This Defense got SOFT. I miss the days of "BIRDZ of PREY".- Shake up is definitely needed. I'm not saying it's all McDermott's fault but it's sort of like when the Phillies fired Milt Thompson. A message needed to be sent.— World2
- This was not the full problem on this team. This move should have been aligned with Reid going and the rest of the staff. I like Reid, however, not getting it done, is not getting it done. Philly needs a fresh approach to go with al the new players. Dont get me wrong, Andy has done a great job in Philly, its just time. Comeon Jeff, kick Andy upstairs ala Holmgren, and get some new blood on the sidelines. Eagles have the required talent, just need new leadership directing it.
Lets go Jeff, you know its time.— Gene London - How does anyone know if McDermott is a good coordinator or not? For most of the year, his defense was 10 guys off the street and Trent Cole. Reid still mismanages the clock and time outs, but he's got a job...at least Jauron has a good rep as a D-coord.— JSaq
Good luck to McDermott. Somebody had to go and its good to see some accountability in the organization.The inner circle (Banner, Reid,Roseman) seem a little too comfortable for 12 years and 0 championships. If something doesnt change- like next year- that should be the next domino to fall.
Great Move that needed to be done. This Defense has been a Joke the past 2 seasons. In the 2011 Draft, need to get an Offensive Lineman (RG) in the first, trade Kolb for a First round Pick. If we get Nnamdi, I would Draft an outside linebacker but if we dont get him, the Eagles must get a Cornerback and get a Defensive End.— briandawkins20
