Not long ago, Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was regarded as a rising star. But in the one-plus season since he assumed control of the Philly defense following the illness and ultimate passing of Jim Johnson, McDermott’s star has faded.
The first hints came when coach Andy Reid became involved in the defense play-calling for the first time in his career.
ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, a former Eagles beat writer, recently told Mike Missanelli of 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia that McDermott could soon be done.
“There is no question about that,” Paolantonio said, via Jordan Raanan of 97.5 The Fanatic. “It may be time for; I don’t know how much input Dick Jauron has in the defensive game plan, I’m sure he has quite a bit, but eventually they may have to make a switch there.”
The defense fell apart in a 37-19 loss to the Titans, giving up 27 fourth-quarter points.
“It comes down to the defensive coordinator,” Paolantonio said. “He has some kind of brainlock or whatever it is -- lack of judgment, inability to make adjustments on the fly. The head coach was covering for him this week [in a press conference], you heard that.”
Still, if the 36-year-old McDermott were destined for an in-season firing, it likely would have happened by now, given that the Eagles are three days into their bye week. The rest of the way, a change would give the Eagles limited time to get the successor (presumably Jauron) ready.
After the season, all bets will be off. And if the defense doesn’t turn around, McDermott likely will be gone.