Kafka, Harrell candidates for Eagles OC job

While the last few weeks held the threat of the Philadelphia Eagles losing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, it turns out the offensive unit was on the cusp of changes.

The Eagles parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Groh earlier this month, a day after receiving the dreaded vote of confidence from head coach Doug Pederson.

He lasted just two years with the Eagles, getting shown the door after a 17-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round. Groh managed to help Philadelphia’s attack get to the postseason despite an onslaught of injuries that saw numerous primary playmakers go down for the long-term.

The Eagles’ ensuing search has been a slow process. Over the weekend, two candidates in Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach James Urban and tight ends coach Bobby Engram removed themselves from consideration.

There are still plenty of candidates available for the Eagles’ taking, though it has been fairly quiet.

Here are the latest candidates for the job:

 

Graham Harrell

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Friday that the Eagles interviewed USC’s offensive coordinator.

A former quarterback, Harrell rose to prominence within the college coaching ranks largely under Mike Leach at Washington State — a program that stressed an overwhelming passing game so aptly nicknamed “Air Raid.”

 

Mike Kafka

As the Kansas City Chiefs were preparing to play in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Eagles were expected to request an interview with their quarterbacks coach, Mike Kafka.

The former Eagles backup quarterback has helped develop Patrick Mahomes into a superstar in Kansas City, which could do wonders in helping Carson Wentz take the next step.

The problem is that former Eagles head coach and KC’s leading man, Andy Reid, could block the request. If Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy gets a head-coaching gig — which is a possibility — Kafka could take over in Kansas City.

 

Duce Staley

Philadelphia’s running backs coach and former rusher is a fan-favorite that has been on the staff since 2013.

While he was passed up for the OC role in 2018 over Groh, he was promoted to assistant head coach last year.

He’s shown an ability to make the most out of limited resources, helping rookie Miles Sanders and former practice squad-er Boston Scott carry the backfield down the stretch.

 

Jim Caldwell

The former Lions and Colts head coach has made it known he wants to return to the sidelines in 2020 after a health scare limited his role with the Dolphins in 2019.

Caldwell is an experienced offensive mind to bring into the fold in Philadelphia to work with Wentz, having extensive experience working alongside Peyton Manning in Indianapolis.