Sean Payton as Eagles coach? Jenkins likes the idea

Sean Payton is still coach of the New Orleans Saints. But if he became available, he'd have the endorsement of Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins.

The Eagles are interested in Payton if he moves on from the Saints, according to two reports, including one from the Daily News. Payton has won 87 regular-season games and a Super Bowl in nine seasons coaching the Saints. Jenkins played four seasons for Payton and called him a great coach who "knows the importance of building a culture."

"I think he has the personality for it," Jenkins said. "Obviously, Sean is going to be a hot commodity with all these coaches getting fired. Everyone's going to want Sean because he's one of those guys - he's got the resumé, he knows how to win, and he's one of the bright offensive minds in this league. I think he's a good coach. He brought a Super Bowl to New Orleans, a city that never had one. I'm pretty sure he's got the capability to do that anywhere else."

The 49ers are also reportedly interested in Payton. He was born in the Bay area, but he spent part of his childhood in Newtown Square.

The Eagles interviewed offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur on Monday afternoon. He was the second coach to be interviewed. They talked with running backs coach Duce Staley last week.

The Eagles also reportedly have an interview set up this week with Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase. A 37-year-old who was previously the offensive coordinator in Denver, Gase is one of the NFL's hottest coaching candidates.

ESPN reported that Doug Marrone, the Jaguars offensive line coach and former Bills head coach, will interview with the Eagles as well.

Defensive lineman Fletcher Cox is entering the final year of his contract and has been eligible for an extension for the last year. The Pro Bowler told reporters that his agent and the team have not had discussions about an extension yet, but he did not sound concerned. He is due to make nearly $8 million in the final year of his deal.

"Whatever happens," Cox said. "I'm due $8 million next year. Wouldn't you be excited to make $8 million?"

The future is more uncertain for veteran defensive lineman Cedric Thornton, who started on the Eagles' practice squad in 2011 and has been a starter the last three years. Thornton is an unrestricted free agent.

"I don't feel like that's a question that needs to be answered right now," Thornton said when asked whether he wants to be back. "Do I like the Philadelphia organization? Yeah. I love it."

Linebacker Jordan Hicks was one of the Eagles' most productive players before he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 9. He said he is about a month away from full recovery.

"I feel pretty normal on a daily basis," Hicks said. "Everyday activities, I'm pretty fine. Football is another story. If I was to play football, it wouldn't be worth it because we're still letting the tendon heal."

The Eagles signed seven players from their practice squad to futures contracts: Tackle Brett Boyko, guard Malcolm Bunche, linebacker Brandon Hepburn, wide receiver Freddie Martino, running back Kevin Monangai, defensive lineman Travis Raciti, and linebacker Deontae Skinner.