5 thoughts: Eagles go with Castillo
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5 thoughts: Eagles go with Castillo
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Here are five thoughts on the Eagles' announcement Wednesday that Juan Castillo will be their next defensive coordinator:
1. If you missed the press conference, here's the Cliff Notes version of how the Birds arrived at this decision, which no one saw coming: Castillo has been in Reid's ear for years, telling him that he's a defensive coach and would like to coach that side of the ball. Reid always listened, but wasn't willing to move Castillo unless he found a replacement that was just as good to coach the offensive line. After Reid fired Sean McDermott, he thought about promoting Castillo to defensive coordinator, but only if he could lure legendary offensive line coach, Howard Mudd, out of retirement. Once Reid was able to do that, he decided to make the move.
So, are we buying this version of the story? Given the way things played out, it seems like a reasonable explanation. Big key here: Don't underestimate the role Jim Washburn had in those whole thing. An NFL Films piece called Washburn and Mudd "best friends" and showed them spending part of their offseason together motorcycling across South Africa. Why would a coach who turns 69 years old later this month (Mudd) want to return to the league? My guess is it was two-fold: a.) To coach with pal Washburn and b.) A financial offer from the Eagles that was too enticing to pass up.
2. As for Castillo's hiring, let's start with what we know. He's known for his work ethic, and I've heard players say nothing but great things about him in the past few years since I started writing about the team.
At training camp, it was common to see Castillo on the field with several offensive linemen in the afternoons when there was technically only a special-teams practice being held. What was perhaps more impressive was that Castillo was often working with backups and guys who wouldn't even end up making the roster.
I have no idea if this move is going to work out, but what's clear is that Reid was going to go with his guy. It's been written several times, and it's true. Reid is in a critical phase of his career. If he doesn't get this team over the hump in the next two to three years (his contract runs through 2013), both Reid and the organization could very well choose to part ways. There's a chance this was the last defensive coordinator Reid will ever hire in Philadelphia. And so he went with a guy he's familiar with, a guy he can trust.
The other part of Reid's comments that stood out was when he was explaining his own rise to becoming a head coach. Jeffrey Lurie and Joe Banner took a chance on him even though he hadn't been an offensive coordinator. You get the sense that Reid really appreciated that and was proud of that. I think it had something to do with his decision to go with Castillo.
3. Don't forget that the Eagles still have to find a linebackers coach and a defensive backs coach. Those hires could come from within, but make no mistake: they are of huge importance. In Washburn, the Eagles got what most consider the top defensive line coach in the NFL. Castillo brought Washburn's name up several time during his press conference. It's clear that he is a huge asset and someone Castillo is going to lean on. That's smart because Castillo is going to have his hands full. He's never called a game before in his life. And he needs capable assistants to coach the linebackers and secondary.
4. At some point in the last 12 years, the Eagles became one of the most unpredictable franchises in the NFL. I'm not quite sure when it started. There was the addition of Terrell Owens back in 2004. There was the signing of Michael Vick in 2009. The decision to trade Donovan McNabb within the division last year. Starting Vick ahead of Kevin Kolb during the season. Firing McDermott after two seasons. And now this.
If Reid is feeling pressure to do things a certain way from upper management, it did not show here. While it's fair to question whether the McNabb and McDermott moves were his alone, the unconventional decision to go with Castillo would appear to be Reid's and Reid's alone.
5. The biggest question that remains unanswered (from a football standpoint) is how the defensive scheme will change. Reid said terminology will not change. And the impression I got from the press conference was that the defense is not going to deviate greatly from its approach of getting after the quarterback.
Say what you want about McDermott, but he was an idea guy. He had a vision of how he thought the Eagles should play defense, and he wasn't afraid to try new things or come up with out-of-the-box ideas. Castillo has been so focused for years on coaching the offensive line that you wonder if he has those same ideas running through his head. Will the Eagles rely on the blitz? Will they rotate players in and out of the game? Will they drop linemen into coverage? Those are the questions we won't have answers to until the team is allowed to practice again, which might not be for six or seven months, depending on what happens with the CBA.
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sheil, thanks for the info and insight. this is a puzzling move by the eagles for sure. i hope castillo backs up what he says and produces a great defensive unit.— liberty_bell- perfect example of the closed-minded, bunker mentality of reid. just when the team needs an honest appraisal of it's defensive strategy and player philosphy -- he hires the o line coach cause he's a hard worker.
terrible. awful. embarrassing.— snakeplissken 
Going to help Juan if they get him some talent.- First off Andy is a Liar, so I don’t believe a word he says. Second Andy is a control freak! Third the guy is a terrible game day coach! Finally, I think it is safe to say the only reason for this hire is Andy does not want anyone outside to challenge his comfort zone. He doesn’t want anyone outside to criticize or challenge his decisions; it is as simple as that.— CrashTestCorzine
- I have been a staunch supporter of Reid's, but I now give up on the guy. Time for him to go.— guyblur
- Let's see, take a coach that has never called a game as a defensive coordinator, hasn't coached defense in the NFL, last coached defense in high school, oh, and in the last season coached an offensive line that gave up 49 sacks, the fourth worst in the league, (two teams below them were tied at 50 and the last place team had 56) and then promote him. I definitely wanted Sean McDermott fired because while he may become a good defensive coordinator some day, he looked in over his head. The second coach I wanted fired was Juan Castillo. All that I've heard is how great an offensive line coach that he is, yet his players always look unprepared and constantly take stupid penalties. Jason Peters is a holding penalty waiting to happen and Winston Justice is a false start waiting to happen. This looks like another story of the Eagles going for the low priced, bargain basement, selection. Maybe the silver lining in this is it will hasten the departure of Andy Reid, who seems like a really nice man that is loyal to his coaches and players but who will never win a Super Bowl, the only thing that really matters.
I am a big fan of Juan's as a coach. I am more than willing to reserve judgement on the move until we have seen the new Eagle defense in action. I hope Castillo will junk every vestige of the JJ era and use the whatever scheme best suits the talent on the roster. I am proud of Juan and his accomplishments with the Eagles, and so is every other Javalina fan I know. He has always stood out as a man who would go the extra mile. The Eagles need that attitude on the defensive side, too.- I suspect "they" are right about Reid seeing limited time for his tenure as Eagles coach, and wanted somebody he knows well. Plus I suspect several of the names they were thinking of interviewing already indicated (for various reasons) that they would not be interested. The biggest reason.... impending lockout - a major major obstascle for a coach coming from outside the organization— mrdip
Comment removed.- It's one thing to be a good drill sargeant and another to be a captain or a general. Two different realms. Does Juan have the mind to strategize and scheme against the bright OC in this league? DC is more about scheming than teaching. That's why they hire coaches. Jaun is a great Sargeant....I don't see him being a great Captain.— greenflyer
- He should be absolutely fine with scheme because as o-line coach, he was responsible for protection against each scheme. Defensive scheme is all about breaking down the opposition's protection and assuring your last lines of defense are there, in case there is a breakdown. My concern is coverage adjustments. Communication between defensive coaches will be VITAL. — beegal99
- Let's be honest. The reason reid din't go with a big name is because he doesn't want someone in the wings with previous head coaching experience. He is AFRAID for his job and gave it to someone who is just glad to be in the league. No threat, no worries!— jtcigar
- So they bring in 2 very solid but senior coaches in Washburn and Mudd.
Then a headscratcher at defensive coordinator. Even thought everyone likes Castillo's work ethic and desire, why not bring in some fresh defensive mind and draft well.
It's almost like Reid knows he's a dead coach walking so senior coaches can get a year or two and retire. He doesn't bring in a coach from the outside. The Eagles are cheap, stupid, and will never win a super bowl with AR as their head coach. Mubarak in Egypt has more support than Reid does.— Fan74 
The move shows guts. I hope that the feeling I get from the moves and comments is correct: less fancy, more solid hitting. Great article Sheil, thoughtful and intelligent with actual analysis of THINGS I DIDN"T KNOW. This story was about football and hopefully so was this move. It looks like it was, and I give credit to AR for having the guts to make a move he thinks is right when he KNOWS he'll get crucified for it.- Sheil,
More terrific insight from you: you are the best Eagles reporter philly.com has, and by a comfortable margin.
Per the move, this came out of left field for me..need time to digest it.— MG44 - "And the impression I got from the press conference was that the defense is not going to deviate greatly from its approach of getting after the quarterback." Why, as a fan, does it seem that they never quite get to the quarterback ? Sometimes, yes. The first half of a season, yes. But at crunch time in tough games, why does it always seem like "getting after him" means more like "getting there after it's too late" ? One other thing... I like Juan, and maybe he'll turn out just fine. But, if we're hiring a 69 year-old offensive line coach out of retirement, why not 71 year-old Buddy Ryan out of retirement for the DC ? Just a thought, not meant as any offense to Juan Castillo. I hope he proves himself on the D side of the ball too, for his sake, and ours. Peace.— landt
- I think the real issue here is who else was available. Sometimes you are driven to make a leap of faith like this when the alternatives are not right. I did not see anyone that looked like a good fit and who was interested. Not everyone will agree, but we do not know what Juan can do until he is there in the booth calling a game. In all likelyhood, this was just the best of the real choices out there. I do not think there were good coaches out there who wanted to work with the players that are here. If a DC wanted to turn over to a different type of player, it would take 2-3 years which the Eagles do not have. They need someone who knows the current players and can find a way to use them. I think as line coach, Juan saw more than his share of the defense and players and knows how the players need to be changed and what needs to be done. There is also the real probability that Reid did not want a DC that was a potential head coach.— Dutch-wayne
- You would have to believe that unless they make the playoffs and the D plays well , this is Andy's final year. If there's no significant pickup, how could they bring him back?— jimmyj
- MTC is the best eagles read on the internet. keep up the great work sheil, you make the other reporters on this site and others worthless.— phillyboss
- the process of selecting the coaching team is Reid's responsibility. he has been good and lucky, historically. just because the so-called experts did not get ahead of this and figure out the Coach's thinking,, they critique....this hire is intriguing and full of promise.We are lucky to have to have this dynamic of leadership!— leecee
I don't know Sheil, I just don't see much good coming out of this one. Great reporting but I think Andy Bleed is grasping at straws now. He sees his tenor coming to an end and is trying to do whatever he can to make a last stand like Custer. Even though Juan has been here for a long time, does that mean he can switch positions? Does that mean he can do something he's never really done before? Does Andy think he can win a Super Bowl THIS year? I can say I don't think so to all of those questions but I can also act like I'm from Missouri and see if the Eagles can show me what they think will happen this year. We already know that The Mike Vick Experience will be in full effect once again. Will the defense improve enough to get the Eagles over the hump? Only the Man upstairs knows.- It's funny how the people who cover the Eagles find them unpredictable when they stick to a clear operating pattern. Let me lay it out for you- when TO's agent forgot to file for free agency and it was clear the Eagles could get Owens for cents on the dollar, they went out and did that. When Owens wanted to get paid like a pro bowler, they trumped up disciplinary charges against him (parking in the handicapped spot! Read the arbitration filing. It's true!)and suspended him. When Vick was coming out of jail and couldn't get a contract with anyone, it was clear the Eagles could get a few years of cheap service out of him. During drafts, instead of trading up to where the big signing bonuses reside, the Eagles trade down to stockpile 4th-to-7th round draft picks. When the salary cap- and floor- went away, the Eagles purged their roster of well paid veterans and went below the previous floor. When they hire a head coach or coordinator, the Eagles go to the bargain basement every time. If you are trying to predict the Eagles' next move, just figure out what the cheapest option is and you will be right more times than not.— jtj06
- It is proven that the Eagles get more out of their lower round picks. The two new line coaches are not bargain basement. I'm sure they cost them a ton of money. The Vick and TO points are just ridiculous. You are just another hater that can't enjoy quality football and think that you are better then what we have when you can't wipe your own crack properly.
- Brilliant, Reid is the smartest man on earth. He took a perennially underachieving position coach that should of been fired and promoted him. Castillo's line was little more than average over the years despite having many all pro players. Once again, the smartest man on earth outsmarted himself. The soft owner needs to send AR to NASA or MIT where his brilliance will be meaningful to the country and the world.— Carlos2
landt..Clearly you have not heard Buddy recently. He has the beginning stages of dementia. Why not bring an outsider in? Good ole boys network still going strong.- I like the move. Juan worked with JJ on schemes. The players all respect him, which wasn't the case with McDermott. He knows the players better then any outside unknown quantity and has advantages of knowing everything about the Eagles. He WILL get it done and the Birds will win the SB this year. Go Juan! Go Birds!
- The problem with the eagles D was not scheme it was fundamentals. They missed assignments (i.e. ernie sims trying to find a TE), couldn't get to the QB on a blitz (i.e. shed a block someone), and missed a lot of tackles. They should be considering a switch the 3-4 but have yet to do that and all the really good available coordinators were 3-4 coaches. Did we really want Mora or the Saints D Backs coach? NO! So we got a guy that knows the players and the system he just needs to learn how to run it during a game. By moving that guy we get the best O-line coach and combine that with the best D-line coach I think we have improved the coaching staff overall. Linebackers are the biggest concern on this team now and they need to do something strong in that department.— Mr.Mister
- This latest Reid action is troublesome not because of the coach he chose but the philosophy he chooses to keep. Castillo may be a good coach but we know nothing of his own personal philosophies of defense and how it should be played. It sounds like the defensive philosophy of JJ will still be here, and it didn't really work out too well for McDermott. I know that if the Eagles go "one and done" again in the playoffs, this will be the reason, and Reid will be fired. He has to be at this point.— beegal99
- Like most moves that come from out of left field, this most likely will be either a brilliant success or an abject failure. Anyone who presumes to think that they know how it will turn out is blowing smoke. Wait and see what happens. With top defensive and offensive line coaches, and if they can get good linebackers and d-backs coaches, Juan should be able to focus on great strategy. Wait and see, people, wait and see (and hope).— reb
- And also...Sheil is the only sportswriter at either of those rags or the website that is worth reading. Gonzo's an idiot and everyone else is too focused on finding the hype; they're old-style sportswriters, going off their guts and the way fan winds flow. Sheil's part of the new breed using deep statistics and thoughtful analysis. Excellent analysis and information Sheil, keep it up.— reb
- Does anyone see the record over the last twelve years... Andy is a terrible game day coach, Andy doesn't want his authority questioned, andy is listening to the front office, all points would be valid if he wasn't one of the wining-est coaches in football. He could leave the Eagles today and have a job in a week. So all the above carries no weight what so ever. He has the right to be arrogant very little that he has done has been wrong... In Andy we should Trust until proven wrong— BBAX
Why is everyone so negative? If you all wanted a Steelers coach so badly maybe it's time to switch allegiances to Pittsburgh. Andy Reid knows what he has in Castillo and is willing to give him a chance, considering his inspiring infectious enthusiasm and teaching abilities AND, very importantly, a very young defense that will probably stay young as needs are addressed in the draft. With the current roster on defense, even the greatest defensive coordinator couldn't turn them into the Ravens or the Ditka-era Bears. But maybe an inspiring teacher can motivate the young guys and build a solid defense that allows fewer than 24 points a game, which should be enough to win most games, considering the weapons on the Eagles' offense.— Leegles- Comment removed.
- Wow, very surprised. We will have to see about this one.
Those calling for Andy Reid's head because he is a horrible coach are way off. Most of us don't like the play calling but in terms of game preparation and talent evaluation he is well above average and the Eagles could do a lot worse at head coach.
My opinion was the inability to get to the passer was THE problem on defense, it really exposed the coverage. Lucky to have Samuel or it would have been worse. Eagles now have a new d line coach.
Biggest problem on offense, couldn't protect the qb (and they insist on throwing 2/3 of the plays). Eagles now have a new o line coach.
lastly i agree with the others, best writer, by far...this helps when you are an eagle fan across the country.— willbert31 - Comment removed.
- I wonder how many timeouts a game the defense will burn when they see they are out of position or have to many men on the field? Parlay that with Reid's game day coaching on the offensive side and things could get comical.— benjluc
- Sheil, Nice to get your perspective on this. Not many of your colleagues are as respected as you are, at least by me. I think the Eagles as an Organization, are psychopathic liars. If that's a illness.
it's obvious the Eagles have some ad hoc committee that sits down in a group and strategize lies to distribute to the media and fans.
The Castillo, being in Reid's Ear business and a crock of bull..... These cheap muffs didn't want to pay top Coordinator Money.
They did it with players, whys it unrealistic to believe these tight wads won't practice the cheapness up and down the organization?
We never get the Bride, and with Jeff Fisher available, a "Homeboy".... How do you not bring Jeff Fisher back just to stay sharp for his next position, to Phila?
Sheil, Thanks for your perspective. You're a great Cat!
Castillo as D Coordinator is as difficult to digest as Arabs on Camels in Egypt in 2011. Absolutely bizarre.— Dexter
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