NFL Rumors: Eagles Pat Shurmur could draw head coaching interest

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur may be an NFL head coach again.

Coaches most mentioned to me by execs lately for HC openings-Josh McDaniels (OC/QBs-Pats), Pat Shurmur (OC-Eagles), Adam Gase (OC-Broncos).

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) November 30, 2014

Now, this isn't the first time this idea has been reported or suggested. Shurmur reportedly drew interest from the Washington Redskins vacancy last season before they hired Jay Gruden away from the Cincinnati Bengals. But it is worth noting because Caplan is citing sources.

It's both clear and unclear why other teams would want to hire Shurmur. For one, he's only 49 and has plenty of coaching experience. Teams would obviously want to bring him in with the hope he can replicate some of Chip Kelly's success in Philadelphia. In theory, this makes sense.

In actuality, no one on the outside looking in seems to be sure what exactly Shurmur really does. He's the offensive coordinator, sure, but it's not as if he's the one calling the plays. Kelly's identity on the team and the offense is unmistakable. Shurmur sits in the press box on game day, as opposed to being on the sideline. Shurmur used to be responsible for advising Kelly to throw the challenge flag until the Eagles hired a former college official to be their designated guide.

The potential interest in Shurmur could suggest less about him and more about the slim pickings. Shurmur was far from impressive in his head coaching stint with the Cleveland Browns (9-23). Nevertheless, it's something to keep an eye on this offseason. Eagles assistant coaches will continue to be in demand as long as the team is succeeding. Last year the Miami Dolphins poached former Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor to be their offensive coordinator.