As the Eagles search for a new "general manager" continues, the team is hitting more and more dead ends. Yesterday, Seahawks GM John Schneider noted that Seattle executive Scott Fitterer will not be leaving for Philadelphia. Now, according to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, two more candidates have been eliminated from the Eagles' search.
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"Per a league source, the list of men who have declined interviews for the job includes Packers director of college scouting Brian Gutenkunst and Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz. Their teams either denied requests for permission or the candidates declined the opportunity. Teams can deny permission because the job does not entail final say over the draft or the 53-man roster."
As Florio notes, these candidates didn't necessarily turn down the job. It's possible they had interest but were blocked from being able to pursue the opportunity. Either way, both have been eliminated from the search.
The Eagles have been looking for a new "general manager" ever since the team "promoted" Howie Roseman and gave Chip Kelly control over the player personnel department earlier in the month. A number of candidates have emerged in that time.
The most recent reports indicate that Miami Dolphins executive Chris Grier and Philadelphia's own assistant director of player personnel Ed Marynowitz are the two leading candidates. Tim McManus of Birds 24/7 notes that he has "not heard the same amount of buzz as others have" when it comes to Marynowitz, however. If that's the case, perhaps Grier is the sole favorite to be the job. Or not, because Jacksonville executive Chris Polian is reportedly still a "serious candidate" as well.
On one hand, it seems like no one even wants the job. On the other hand, perhaps the Eagles are just being thorough and taking their time. Either way, this Friday (Jan. 30) marks the four week mark since the Eagles started their search. One would imagine the team would like to wrap this up soon.