Vote: Eagles Head Coaching Candidates
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Bill O'Brien and Chip Kelly decided to stay in college, something many of us wish we could make come true for ourselves. Dirk Koetter signed an extension in Atlanta, and Doug Marrone signed on to stay in upstate New York and coach the Bills.
O'Brien and Kelly were at least thought to be the top targets of Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman. So where does that leave them in their hunt?
Mike McCoy - Broncos Offensive Coordinator
The Eagles interviewed the Broncos defensive coordinator on Sunday for three hours. Though he's said to be a good coordinator, many question whether his low-key demeanor will work well as a head coach.
Bruce Arians - Colts Offensive Coordinator
The Colts rallied around Arians when he was named interim head coach while Chuck Pagano went through treatment for cancer. Arians' age (60) could be a concern for Lurie, whose last coach lasted 14 years.
Gus Bradley - Seahawks Defensive Coordinator
Bradley's unit this season was one of the best in the NFL, and his demeanor is said to be opposite McCoy's.
Jay Gruden - Bengals Offensive Coordinator
Not the Gruden many Eagles fans expected to be a candidate, this one seems much more likely than his brother Jon. The Bengals were 12th in the NFL in points scored in 2012, and 22nd in yards gained. Second-year QB Andy Dalton did show improvement this season.
Jon Gruden - ESPN Analyst
Former Eagles QB Ron Jaworski has suggested that former Raiders, and Bucs head coach (and former Eagles assistant) has potential interest in the Eagles job.
Lovie Smith - Former Bears Head Coach
The Eagles interviewed Smith Thursday, who was fired the same day Andy Reid was. Smith went to one Super Bowl as coach of the Bears (lost to Colts), and has missed the playoffs in four of the last five seasons.
Brian Billick - NFL On Fox Analyst
The former Ravens head coach was a regular guest on 94WIP's Angelo Cataldi And The Morning Show this season, where he was a defender of Andy Reid. Billick had the Eagles ranked #1 in his Power Rankings prior to the 2012 season.
Ken Whisenhunt - Former Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals
Whisenhunt was let go after the Cardinals fell apart after a 4-0 start. His handling of the Arizona QB situation was probably what did him in.
The Eagles also interviewed Mike Nolan and Keith Armstrong.