By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Back in December, Josh McDaniels told reporters he still has aspirations to be an NFL head coach. While McDaniels has regularly been rumored as a candidate for multiple HC openings the past few offseasons, this year hadn’t been the same. However, with the first round of hires being complete, his name is now back in the conversation.
As first reported by Bo Wulf of The Athletic, McDaniels is expected to interview with Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie on Sunday for the team’s head coaching role. Last week, the Eagles fired Doug Peterson after a 4-11-1 season.
According to Wulf, McDaniels has already “begun recruiting the coaching staff he would hope to bring with him to Philadelphia if hired.” However, no specific names were given in the report.
MORE: Gillette Stadium to serve as COVID vaccination site
Philadelphia presents a unique challenge for whoever is hired as head coach. The first step on the agenda will be to figure out what to do about the quarterback position. 2016 second-overall pick Carson Wentz regressed tremendously last season, and was benched late in the year for rookie Jalen Hurts. The move reportedly frayed the relationship between Wentz and the organization.
McDaniels won’t be the only Patriots’ assistant to interview for the position. Earlier this week, it was reported that inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo has spoken with the Eagles about the opening. Other reported candidates include current Eagles assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley, Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
The Eagles job would represent McDaniels’ second shot as an NFL head coach. He previously spent a year and a half with the Broncos, a tenure that was highlighted by using a first-round pick on quarterback Tim Tebow, then his dismissal after a 3-9 start to the 2010 season. In February of 2018 he nearly became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, but took his name out of consideration for the job at the 11th hour.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Patriots.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.