Giants deny Eagles permission to speak with Steve Spagnuolo, per report

It sounds like Steve Spagnuolo won't be the next defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. Anthony Gargano of the 97.5 The Fanatic Morning Show reports the New York Giants denied the Eagles permission to interview Spags:

"The Eagles called the Giants and asked for permission to talk with Spags, they were denied permission" - @AnthonyLGargano

— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) January 18, 2016

Gargano is notoriously close with Spags so this seems reliable. The sentiment also matches up with what Giants beat writers have been saying about Ben McAdoo wanting to retain Spags on his staff.

Spags is reportedly Doug Pederson's top target at defensive coordinator. But if he's not in the mix, the Eagles will have to look elsewhere. Jim Schwartz's name has been brought up.

It's probably for the best that the Eagles won't get Spags. He's been in charge of some terrible defenses lately, including New York's last-ranked unit in 2015.

Some have theorized the Eagles already have a defensive coordinator in place since the team has reportedly hired defensive assistant Ken Flajole, assistant defensive backs coach Tim Hauck, and retained defensive backs coach Cory Undlin.

It's very important for Pederson to get this hire right. It'll be interesting to see who it is.

UPDATE: Adam Schefter confirms Spags is staying with the Giants.

Eagles explored idea of bringing Steve Spagnuolo to Philly as DC, but he now is expected to remain with New York Giants, per league source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2016