Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: New Head Coach Could Be Announced In Next 24-48 Hours, Giants’ Ben McAdoo Leads Candidates
Rumors regarding the new head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles may finally be reaching a conclusion, and the new coach could be announced in the next 24-48 hours. While a lot of different names have been thrown out as possibilities for the next leader of the Eagles, it looks like it has come down to Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson, former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, and current New York Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
While Coughlin is still a possibility, it appears as though Pederson is out of the running if the 24-48 hour rumored window is true. Pederson cannot be hired until the Kansas City Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs, which is not possible until their game on Saturday against the New England Patriots. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports was the first analyst to speculate on the 24-48 hour window.
Would not be surprised at all if Eagles and Giants had their coach in the next 24-48 hours as well
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 13, 2016
While he did not speculate on who the coach could be, the options are really down to Pederson, Coughlin, and McAdoo. The Miami Dolphins hired Adam Gase last week, the former front-runner for the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have also confirmed that they currently do not have any additional interviews scheduled. The Cleveland Browns hired another potential candidate, former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, earlier today. While the Eagles never actually interviewed Jackson, they did make a last second push, according to Bleeding Green Nation.
Tim McManus of Philly Mag also believes that the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles could be announced within the next 24-48 hours. While La Canfora did not actually speculate on the front-runner for the position, McManus directly said that he believes Ben McAdoo is the leading candidate.
Get the sense that Eagles could announce their next head coach as early as tomorrow, which would eliminate Pederson. Thinking McAdoo.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) January 13, 2016
Even though he is inexperienced and young, McAdoo makes much more sense than Coughlin for the Eagles’ rebuilding plans. At 69-years-old, Coughlin would likely be nothing more than a short-term filler until the Eagles could find a younger coach. While Coughlin is a legendary coach that is well respected around the league, he just not does make a ton of sense for what Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie wants. While many around the league do not feel as though Coughlin’s age should be a factor in the Eagles’ decision, it undoubtedly will be.
Phil Simms doesn't think Tom Coughlin's age should be a big factor for the Eagles https://t.co/1X0tZd5L4z pic.twitter.com/1re87pP7gi
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) January 13, 2016
Adam Schefter of ESPN also believes that Ben McAdoo is the leading candidate. In speaking to 97.5 The Fanatic, Schefter said that while Pederson is still in the running for the position, his sense is that McAdoo is at the top of the list. As posted on NJ Advance Media, Schefter explained the current situation regarding the head coaching search.
“I don’t know that [Pederson]’s the front-runner. I know that he’s square in contention for that job, I know they really like him. In my mind, my sense — these are just senses — is that Ben McAdoo is the front-runner. But I don’t know that to be right. I think Pederson and McAdoo both are square in the conversation. Maybe even Pat Shurmur would be in consideration because he is a very good football coach. But to me, I would handicap McAdoo as the favorite for whatever that’s worth and we’ll see if that’s proven right.”
In addition to Schefter and McManus, other analysts are also speculating that McAdoo is the leading candidate.
My sense on #Eagles: If they hire next coach before Sat, process of elimination says it's Ben McAdoo. If it's beyond, then Doug Pederson.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 13, 2016
So, it's gonna be Ben McAdoo huh! #YouLikeThat
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) January 13, 2016
If the Eagles make a coaching hire this week, it would have to be Ben McAdoo or Pat Shurmur. (I don't think Coughlin is a real possibility)
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) January 13, 2016
Until the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles is officially announced, rumors will continue to swirl regarding the potential candidates. With no further interviews scheduled by the team, it is safe to say the job will go to Pederson, Coughlin, or McAdoo. While the Eagles apparently like Coughlin and Pederson a lot, Ben McAdoo is now the most likely candidate, and could be announced as the next head coach in the next 24-48 hours.
[Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images]
