Samuel: "The offensive line coach?"
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Samuel: "The offensive line coach?"
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Needless to say, the Eagles' stunning announcement that they promoted offensive line coach Juan Castillo to be their next defensive coordinator has floored fans.
But some of the Eagles players themselves are downright shocked.
Told of the move, cornerback Asante Samuel said, "The offensive line coach?" After he took a moment to collect himself, Samuel said, "It's all good, it's all good."
Eagles center Mike McGlynn also didn't know about the move when The Inquirer contacted him.
"Really? That's crazy," McGlynn said. "That's amazing."
McGlynn credited Castillo for a lot of his improvement over the last three seasons. He said he was "disappointed" by the move and that he would "miss" Castillo, but the center said that he looked forward to going up against his former position coach's defense in training camp.
"We're going to have to kick his [butt] now," McGlynn said.
Eagles linebacker Omar Gaither had already knew of the move, but he was still in a state of shock.
"I think everybody is shocked," Gaither said. "I didn't know Juan knew defense."
Gaither did later realized that Castillo did coach some defense as the high school and college level in the 1980s. He also mentioned that Castillo once played linebacker in the USFL.
"That's something he always reminds us of," Gaither said.
Poll: Good move by Eagles?
I don't like to use these, but I think it fits, WTF!!!— NJtoWS- The Eagles are now the laughingstock of the NFL! Reid MUST go!— jtcigar
- Those weren't the only play reactions. Here are a few more that were omitted:
Defensive End Trent Cole said, "You're f'n kiddin me right?"
Safety Quinten Mikell chimed in,"I did hear he completed a full season of Madden '96 and finished 11-5"
And when contacted by phone Redskins owner Dan Snyder commented ,"Wow, can that organization do anything right?"
— guyguy4 - It took three weeks for this? I honestly thought it was going to be someone from the Packers or Steelers. I guess it made too much sense to hire a coordinator from a Super Bowl team. Castillo is from the good old boys network and won't tell Reid or Banner that the players they have on D stink. Was it a good move or not? I have no idea, but it did nothing to calm my distrust for this organization. Why was the announcement made at this time? How about the majority of the media is in Dallas covering the Super Bowl. Yeah, that sounds just about right, the Eagles way.— billro33
- I agree, we waited through all of the same stories, and everyone grabbing every name they could think of to be our next DC, only to find out it is going to be Juan, our offensive line coach. I love Juan, but I am dissapointed. I wanted a fresh set of eyes, and a fresh "outside of the organization" mind for our new DC. I don't mind doing your due diligence, but this wait wasn't needed... — phigglesfan75
- Then samual added- " is this MFer gonna make me tackle??"— hititwheretheyaint
holy bananas batman!- Who cares about this fools gold organization anymore. Pitchers and catchers February 14th...— pflynn20
- Oh well, if he blows, it might be the end of Andy at least
The Birds always were into the inbred stuff (e.g Banner, Howie, McDermott). The probalem is they are so in love with themselves they do see how ugly they are to the rest of us.......— Earl J
Andy spent to much time playing a beached whale and no one qualified was left.......— daisy99- At first I was "What the heck" is going on here...and then after doing a lot of reading and listening to Juan Castillo's press conference I was totally won over by this man. I see some great things happening for the Eagles next year and I think Juan will be a major part of this. JJ,may he rest in peace,was a quarterback and became one of the best defensive minds in the game. On the other hand Juan Castillo has always been defensive minded and now he has the chance to shine. With Washburn and Mudd we are on our way...plug in some great players through FA and the draft and the sky is the limit. I cannot figure out Philly fans..moaning and groaning like little old ladies over a game of bingo..this is going to be great...shut up and enjoy the ride.— redhead with freckles
- yeah, shut up and enjoy the same ole ride that ends before superbowl sunday. no thanx. i hope reid and jaun makes me eat my words, but this has all the makings of a HORRIBLE move. why not just wait to interview the other coaches from the two BEST defenses in the league before giving an offensive line coach who has never called a play in his life the job? reid is scared of somebody taking over his spot. its all about reid feeling comfy. this makes me sick. hopefully my gut feeling is wrong!
- yeah, shut up and enjoy the same ole ride that ends before superbowl sunday. no thanx. i hope reid and jaun makes me eat my words, but this has all the makings of a HORRIBLE move. why not just wait to interview the other coaches from the two BEST defenses in the league before giving an offensive line coach who has never called a play in his life the job? reid is scared of somebody taking over his spot. its all about reid feeling comfy. this makes me sick. hopefully my gut feeling is wrong!
- yeah, shut up and enjoy the same ole ride that ends before superbowl sunday. no thanx. i hope reid and jaun makes me eat my words, but this has all the makings of a HORRIBLE move. why not just wait to interview the other coaches from the two BEST defenses in the league before giving an offensive line coach who has never called a play in his life the job? reid is scared of somebody taking over his spot. its all about reid feeling comfy. this makes me sick. hopefully my gut feeling is wrong!
