The Philadelphia Eagles are ready to make a major push for Oregon coach Chip Kelly. Former Eagles quarterback and NFL Network analyst Donovan McNabb believes that's a mistake.
"I would say the next move now is to move to a defensive-minded coach," McNabb said on Comcast SportsNet's "Daily News Live" on Thursday. "Have someone come in here and be able to get these guys disciplined, understanding what they have to do, being gap-sound, being in the right position at all times, and then bring an offensive guru in -- someone who can run an offense and run it effectively."
The Eagles had significant issues on both sides of the ball and ranked 29th in both scoring offense and defense. That's the norm, however, when a coach is fired -- the tendency is to go in the opposite direction. In this case, a defensive mind to replace the offensive-minded Andy Reid.
"Most of the guys that are out there are offensive guys," McNabb said. "Lovie Smith's a defensive guy. Ray Horton is a guy. Will they bring Ray Horton or Lovie in? I don't think so."
The Eagles need to avoid locking themselves into a certain mold. Sure, the front seven needs to do a better job of stopping the run, and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha needs to resemble the Oakland Raiders version of himself. But someone needs to work with Nick Foles or whatever quarterback has the job in 2013 so the offense doesn't waste LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
