Report: Marquand Manuel leaves Eagles to join the Jets

We already knew that Marquand Manuel wouldn’t be returning as the Eagles’ defensive backs coach in 2021 since the team reportedly hired Jets passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson for that position.

Now we know that Manuel is leaving Philadelphia entirely with NFL insider Tom Pelissero reporting he’s accepted a job on Robert Saleh’s coaching staff as a safeties coach. Manuel previously overlapped with Saleh on the Seattle Seahawks in 2011 and 2012.

Kind of funny how the Eagles and Jets essentially swapped secondary coaches!

Manuel only joined the Eagles’ coaching staff last offseason when the team needed to hire a replacement for Cory Undlin, who had been hired away as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator. Manuel had experience playing under former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. There was thought Manuel could eventually succeed Schwartz in Philly due to his previous experience as a DC with the Atlanta Falcons.

Instead, Manuel is headed to the Jets. His new title seems like something of a demotion in terms of responsibility since he’s working alongside senior defensive assistant/cornerbacks coach Tony Oden.

Manuel is the second Eagles coach to join the Jets this offseason. New York previously hired assistant defensive line coach Nathan Ollie for the same position on Saleh’s staff.

RELATED: Tracking Eagles coaching staff changes under Nick Sirianni

UPDATE: Eagles assistant coordinator/defense Nick Vasso is also leaving Philly. He’s reportedly becoming the Houston Texans’ secondary coach. Vasso originally joined the Eagles with Doug Pederson back in 2016.