Tim McManus of ESPN hears former Lions HC Jim Caldwell and former Redskins OC Kevin O’Connell are two names to watch for the Eagles’ offensive coordinator vacancy.
On Wednesday, Eagles HC Doug Pederson offered support for Mike Groh and WRs Coach Carson Walch before firing them today.
Many seem to think Philadelphia will look to bring in an external candidate to take over as coordinator and Caldwell and O’Connell are among the most notable coaches available right now along with Pat Shurmur.
Caldwell joined the Dolphins last offseason as an assistant head coach/quarterback coach but took a leave of absence in July to deal with health issues. It was somewhat surprising that he didn’t interview for head-coaching jobs in recent weeks, but it sounds like he could be poised to return as a coordinator in 2020.
Caldwell, 64, began his head coaching career with the Colts back in 2009 after taking over for Tony Dungy. He spent three years in charge of Indianapolis before he was fired after the 2011 season.
After a stint with the Ravens as their offensive coordinator, the Lions hired him as their head coach in 2015. Detroit made the decision to move on from Caldwell in 2018 and he agreed to join the Dolphins’ coaching staff this past January.
During his seven years as a head coach for the Colts and Lions, Caldwell led them to a record of 62-50 (55.4 percent) which includes four playoff appearances and one trip to the AFC Championship game.
O’Connell, 34, is a former third-round pick of the Patriots back in 2008. After five years in the NFL, O’Connell was hired by the Browns as their quarterbacks coach in 2015.
O’Connell spent one year with the 49ers before the Redskins hired him as their quarterbacks coach in 2017. He was promoted to passing game coordinator last year.
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