When
we last spoke (metaphorically, of course), it looked as though
the Eagles had found their next head coach. Notre Dame's Brian Kelly looked
poised to step into the shoes Andy Reid filled for 14 long seasons. Names like
Jay Glazer and Chris Mortensen seemed to believe that just a return from an
overseas trip stood between the team and a contract for Kelly. However, as
quickly as these rumors came, they began to fade to black. In fact, it seemed
as though Kelly had never even left the country. The Chicago Tribune's Brian
Hamilton reported Kelly had spent some time around the U.S. instead.
It shouldn't have come as a surprise, then, when Brian Kelly announced his
return to Notre Dame amidst an exciting weekend of playoff football. It seems
as though the Eagles are having no luck with college coaches.
A
little over a week ago, I outlined six possible candidates for the vacant head
coaching position. Of those six options, one
may or may not have been in our area, one decided to return to Oregon, one couldn't win a playoff game with Peyton Manning, one just
won't be interviewed, and one
found himself a job with the Buffalo Bills. The one remaining name (using the elimination game) is Gus Bradley. When I wrote that article, I honestly knew very little about Bradley. The Seahawks (probably former) defensive coordinator has quickly become a hot commodity after their loss to the Falcons on Sunday. Coming off of a year where his team was near the top in every defensive category, Gus Bradley is certainly headed for a big pay day.
Now, I understand that there have been numerous rumors swirling as to who will or won't became the next head coach of the Eagles. However, these speculations are different. The first interview between the Eagles and Bradley went seemingly well. Now, as half the fans have been in a panic for two weeks, and the other half can't stop chanting GUS BUS, the talks have progressed to the point of a second interview scheduled for tomorrow. If that isn't enough for you Bradley supporters, check out this tweet from Reuben Frank of CSN:
Worry warts, rejoice! It would appear that after what seems like years of searching, the Eagles and Jeff Lurie have found their guy, and he fits the bill. He's never head coached before, and therefore, isn't "recycled." He's not a college guy trying to make a name for himself in the big leagues. Bradley knows his talent, and that talent will certainly improve this squad. You can safely assume the defensive structure of the Eagles will change for the better. Should this signing occur, we must keep our eyes open for a highly-touted offensive coordinator to match Bradley's defensive mind.
How would you feel about a Gus Bradley signing? What would he bring to Philadelphia? Who should be chosen as his offensive coordinator? Let me know on Twitter @AndrewJGillen
