McDermott Named DC

 

In a shocking move, the Eagles have announced that Sean McDermott will retain full responsibilities of the Defensive Coordinator job. McDermott (pictured right), who was the substitute Coordinator the entire offseason because usual defensive leader Jim Johnson was granted a leave of absence to recover from skin cancer and several other unhealthy factors, will be introduced to his new role by head coach Andy Reid in a press conference tomorrow afternoon.

This news comes as both a suprise and an expected move. Everyone knew that Jim Johnson was not heading into better days, for he even had to coach from the press box in several games last season. However, we Eagles fans never really could imagine Johnson not leading the defense that he so strongly made a force in the NFL. The longtime Coordinator, who brought an overwhelming amount of success to the Eagles' defense, will likely not be seen on the coaching staff again.

Despite this saddening fact, Sean McDermott brings a great deal of potential and knowledge to the defense. The 35-year-old coach has been with the Philadelphia staff since 1998, and has held the positions of Scouting Administrative Coordinator ('98), Assistant to the Head Coach ('99-2000), Defensive Assistant ('01-'02), Assistant Secondary Coach ('03), Secondary Coach ('04-'06), Linebackers coach ('07), and Secondary Coach ('08). He now steps into the biggest spot on the defensive coaching group, and although he'll never be the same as Jim Johnson, he has valuable experience, a solid group of players, and genius knowledge obtained while watching the methods of Johnson since joining the staff.

Again, although it is hard to take in that Johnson will not be associated with the Eagles' coaching staff again, McDermott brings a new chapter to the organization. And that chapter promises to be a great one, for Sean has much coaching experience a wise mind which has gotten him this far in his professional coaching career.

Picture source: Online image. "McDermott." www.courierpostonline.com