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CSNPhilly's Geoff Mosher is reporting that the Eagles have hired former Browns LB coach Billy Davis as their new defensive coordinator. As we previously reported, Davis interviewed for the position 2 weeks ago.
He has previous defensive coordinator experience with both the 49ers and Cardinals, where he ran 3-4 defenses.
Other than the Cardinals D in 2009, none of those defenses were particularly good but Davis is certainly an experienced guy who knows Chip Kelly's preferred system and who has ties to the organization. Davis' father was a LB coach here under Dick Vermiel and went on to serve in the Eagles personnel department.
Related: Explaining Billy Davis' scheme
Davis has a long NFL resume and has worked all over the league and all over the defense. While he has been a part of a lot different schemes, all of his recent experience confirms that the Eagles have indeed switched to a 3-4. He's also worked under 3-4 gurus such as Wade Phillips, Dom Capers & Mike Nolan.
1992-1994 - Pittsburgh Steelers (defensive assistant)
1995-1998 - Carolina Panthers (outside linebackers)
1999 - Cleveland Browns (defensive assistant/LB)
2000 - Green Bay Packers (defensive assistant/DL)
2001-2003 - Atlanta Falcons (LB coach)
2004 - New York Giants (LB coach)
2005-2006 - San Francisco 49ers (defensive coordinator)
2007-2008 - Arizona Cardinals (LB coach)
2009-2010 - Arizona Cardinals (defensive coordinator)
2011-present - Cleveland Browns (LB coach)
The obvious question is that if they interviewed him 2 Sundays ago, what was the hold up? The speculation was that the Eagles had their eye on some of the Super Bowl assistants, particularly Ed Donatell of the 49ers and Ted Monachino of the Ravens. However, the 49ers blocked teams from interviewing Donatell. Reports were that the Ravens, who often do block assistants from interviewing, would allow Monachino to speak with the Eagles but there's no indication that an interview ever happened.
So the guy is Billy Davis. Just like all of these assistant hires, I'm happy to give Chip Kelly the benefit of the doubt. There's no secret formula for picking good assistants and smart coaches can be found in a lot of places. I'm excited to see new concepts on the defense and looking forward to what Billy Davis does with it.