Eagles assistant coaching rumors: Pat Shurmur, Bill McGovern likely to join

Chip Kelly's staff is beginning to take shape as he seemingly looks to cast a wide net over college and the pros as he make that transition himself.

The first rumor involves former Eagles QB coach Pat Shurmur, who Adam Schefter says is set to join likely as offensive coordinator. Shurmur spent 10 seasons under Andy Reid, including 7 as quarterbacks coach. Donovan McNabb went to three Pro Bowls under Shurmur and Jeff Garcia led the team on unlikely playoff run during his time as well.

Shurmur then moved on to become offensive coordinator of the Rams and later head coach of the Browns before being fired after this season. He makes an interesting compliment to Kelly, who had reportedly been looking for an offensive coordinator to focus on the passing game. Certainly Shurmur would fit that bill.

Most assume that Kelly will be the main architect of the offense next season and will likely call plays as well, so having an expert in the NFL passing game to help him design that system could be big. As you know by now, Kelly ran a run-first read option in college, which likely wouldn't fly in it's purest form here in the pros.

The other bit of news is on the defensive side of the ball where out Boston College site, BC Interruption, reports that LB coach and former defensive coordinator of the Eagles (BC Eagles that is) Bill McGovern will be joining Chip's staff. The role that he'll fill here isn't clear, but it's expected to be LB coach.

McGovern had mixed results the last 2 seasons as DC, but has produced some really impressive LBs in his time at BC including Luke Keuchley and Mark Herzlich. Not only did he coach those guys, but was a big part of their recruiting as well, so he's got an eye for LB talent.

The Eagles have also interviewed Giants LB coach Jim Herrmann for their defensive coordinator job.