Report: Eagles reached out to two known coordinators

The Philadelphia Eagles officially fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai on Sunday, a move that was expected to happen following the Birds' late-season collapse. Now, the Eagles will spend the next week or two looking for Desai's replacement. However, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni had already […]

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Jan 21, 2024 9:17 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni on the sidelines during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. — Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles officially fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai on Sunday, a move that was expected to happen following the Birds' late-season collapse.

Now, the Eagles will spend the next week or two looking for Desai's replacement.

However, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni had already been working the phones leading up to Desai's dismissal.

As expected, the Eagles fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai. (@RapSheet first)
Over the last week, both Howie Roseman & Nick Sirianni have been reaching out to available coordinators, including former Giants DC Wink Martindale and former Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen. There are more
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 22, 2024

While there are a handful of candidates the Eagles have reached out to, Russini reports two known names that she's heard so far: former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and ex-Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Wink Martindale

Martindale, 60, and the Giants recently parted ways after two seasons together.

Under Martindale this past season, the Giants' defense ranked 27th in total yards allowed, 26th in points allowed 29th in rushing yards allowed and 19th in passing yards allowed.

Martindale has been coaching since 1986 but didn't make his jump to the NFL until 2004 with the then-Oakland Raiders as their linebackers coach before being promoted to their defensive coordinator. He's also had stops at the Denver Broncos (2009-2010) and Baltimore Ravens (2018-2021).

Ryan Nielsen

Nielsen, 44, kicked off his coaching career in 2002 as a volunteer assistant at USC.

He entered the NFL as the New Orleans Saints defensive line coach in 2017. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2021 and spent 2022 as the Saints' co-defensive coordinator coach.

He joined the Falcons just this past season as their defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.

The Falcons' defense was their bright spot this year thanks to Neilsen as they finished the season ranked 11th in total yards allowed, 18th in scoring defense, 20th in rushing yards allowed and 8th in passing yards allowed.