Never take a stock tip or a weather forecast from me… and never underestimate the power of Andy Reid to surprise us all. I was almost certain Dick Jauron would be named the Eagles’ next defensive coordinator.
Dick Jauron, senior assistant to Andy Reid and defensive secondary coach for the Eagles in 2010, has just accepted in principle the defensive coordinator job with the Cleveland Browns. Photo above is from Jauron’s recent days as head coach for the Buffalo Bills (2006-2009). Prior to the Bills, Jauron was head coach for the Chicago Bears (1999-2003).
Yes, I knew Jauron was interviewing with the Browns , but I thought of it more as a courtesy gesture by both his old friends in the Browns’ front office and by Jauron himself. As the likeable curmudgeon at PE.com’s On The Inside fan forum J. Wood points out , today’s NFL post-season carousel of coaching job interviews is akin to a good-will tour of the fraternities on campus, allowing old associates to catch up with each other, or as Wood puts it so well, “the NFL version of speed dating”…
“It helps the candidate by making him appear more desirable to other teams. It helps the team by giving management access to coaching personnel and developing a more complete dossier ( for current & future needs).”
After Jauron’s “speed date” with Cleveland last week, I was almost certain the call would come from Andy Reid to take over the DC job in Philly. But it’s apparent Reid has someone else in mind— and possibly, someone who’s still working in the playoffs.
According to Chris McPherson over at PE.com, Reid has returned from his vacation in Antigua and will meet with Saints defensive backs coach Dennis Allen this weekend. “There are other reports that the Eagles are interested in at least one coach from the remaining four playoff teams. Of course, the Eagles would need to get permission to talk to that coach— and what if it’s a coach on one of the teams that advances to the Super Bowl? Another name that had been in the mix early on was that of former Cardinals defensive coordinator Billy Davis, but it is reported that he could wind up with Jauron in Cleveland.”
Browns new head coach Pat Shurmur, a longtime assistant in Philadelphia, was a guest on Pro Football Talk Live this afternoon and while he did not confirm the reports, he strongly indicated that a decision would be announced soon enough.
“I really don’t want to confirm that. I think it’ll become public and official from the Browns’ side of things very quickly,” Shurmur said. “Obviously, Dick’s a very well-respected guy in the profession and a guy that I’ve known for a long, long time.
Dick Jauron, the “wily old Bird”… I already had my nickname lined up… thought he’d be great for the Eagles brand…My bias goes back to his playing days when we both were much younger. Jauron was a heck of a good safety for the Lions and the Bengals back in the ’70’s. Jauron is 60 years old now, but still has a lot of great coaching years ahead…they just won’t be for the Eagles. But I should have known— Jauron is a good friend with Browns GM (and former Eagle VP) Tom Heckert, who along with Browns president Mike Holmgren has been steadily building a personnel bridge with Andy Reid’s dynasty in Philly.
What’s interesting, though, is the current fan reaction in Cleveland to Jauron’s appointment. Some of it is predictably positive—after all, Jauron has the experience and the credentials, and is widely respected by his peers despite an overall career head coaching record of 60-82…and there is a general feeling that Mike Holmgren has to know what he’s doing, right?
But then you find little nuggets like these all over the place:
“What Browns defensive player is going to be inspired to play for a run-of-the mill hack defensive coach after playing for Rob Ryan? Come on Holmgren!!!! – I can hear Pittsburgh and Baltimore laughing all the way out here in California. I am officially underwhelmed. But…..we’ll see.”— from the L.A. DAWG
And Dick Jauron thinks he’s really leaving Philly? Seems the more things change…
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