Eagles hire former offensive tackle Tra Thomas as an offensive assistant coach

From 1998 until he left town in 2009, Tra Thomas was a staple of the Eagles' starting lineup on offense. The three-time Pro Bowl left tackle protected Donovan McNabb's blindside for 10 seasons and was part of a part of Eagles team that reached the NFC Championship game five times and the Super Bowl once. He now will be sharing his years of success and knowledge with the current crop of Eagles players as an offensive assistant coach.

Thomas officially retired during the 2012 season and accepted an internship with the team this summer. The internship must have gone well as Thomas is now a full-time assistant with the team. Thomas will likely work with the offensive line in his new role, similar to Duce Staley's work with running backs in recent years.

Thomas was drafted out of FSU by the Eagles in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He also played for the Jaguars in 2009. Thomas is a member of the Eagles' 75th Anniversary Team and was an All-Pro selection in 2002. He started in all but one game during his career in Philadelphia.

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