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Report: Eagles reneged on promise to let DeFilippo leave


C Mart

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Hmmmm...So maybe this was the Gailey replacement plan?

 

The news that the Eagles blocked quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo from interviewing for the offensive coordinator position with the Jets wasn’t surprising. Teams have the right to prevent assistant coaches under contract from leaving for any job except head coach. The story behind the story definitely raises eyebrows.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the decision to block DeFilippo came a year after coach Doug Pederson and executive V.P. of football operations Howie Roseman promised DeFilippo that the team wouldn’t stop him from becoming an offensive coordinator elsewhere. Per McLane, the decision to stop DeFilippo came from owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Reportedly, Lurie wants to be sure that quarterback Carson Wentz will thrive; part of that plan apparently includes standing in the way of DeFilippo’s opportunity for advancement.

The story gets even more interesting. At the Senior Bowl, Roseman passed the buck for the DeFilippo decision not to Lurie but to Pederson. Pederson declined comment on the issue.

DeFilippo likewise declined comment, saying that he’s “thrilled to be with the Eagles for another year.”

Clearly, someone is talking off the record, and the end result is a bad look for the Eagles. While I’ll never shed a single tear for a position coach who is prevented from leaving after choosing the financial security of a multi-year contract (the easiest way to have upward mobility is to do one-year deals only), the notion that the team made a promise to DeFilippo a year ago that the team won’t currently honor sends a negative message to others who may be considering job offers from the Eagles in the future.

Indeed, the development calls the credibility of any promise made by the Eagles to coaching candidates into question, and anyone offered employment by the team would now be wise to insist on getting everything in writing — and to have the written terms of the contract massaged relentlessly by a lawyer to ensure there are no loopholes or land mines.

And for those of you who will be inclined to argue that DeFilippo should have gotten the promise from Lurie directly, there’s a concept in business law known as “apparent authority.” Certain employees based on their titles and responsibilities have the ability to bind the company. Surely, Roseman and Pederson possess that power.

So even though Lurie has the power to trump them, DeFilippo has every reason to believe that he’s been lied to — regardless of whether his public position is that everything is fine.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/01/28/report-eagles-reneged-on-promise-to-let-defilippo-leave/

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How Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie pulled rank and blocked QB coach John DeFilippo from leaving for Jets

MOBILE, Ala. - When Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman hired John DeFilippo to be the Eagles' quarterbacks coach a year ago they told him that if he had an offer to become an offensive coordinator they wouldn't stand in his way.

Earlier this month, the New York Jets asked to interview DeFilippo for that very job. Pederson and Roseman, true to their word, signed off on the request. NFL teams can't block assistants from auditioning for head coaching vacancies, but they can prevent them from interviewing for coordinator positions.

It's unclear whether DeFilippo would have gotten the Jets job or even wanted it, but he never got an opportunity to toss his hat in the ring. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie stepped in and rescinded the original consent, according to four independent NFL sources.

Lurie's obstruction was first reported by ESPN, but Inquirer sources provided more detail of how the Eagles owner stepped in, and more important, why he pulled rank, as he had never done before.

While the why is obvious (Carson Wentz, duh), Lurie's blocking of DeFilippo represents his passion - some called it his "obsession" - with making sure the young quarterback has all the tools necessary to thrive. That meant retaining the assistant who played a significant role in Wentz's rookie season, and that means acquiring skill position talent this offseason.

When asked Wednesday who blocked DeFilippo, Roseman said that Pederson "decides who's on the [coaching] staff." Pederson declined to comment when approached Thursday at the Senior Bowl.

Because the Jets were the first to approach DeFilippo, the former Browns offensive coordinator never had the chance to be considered for more attractive teams that would eventually hire defensive-minded coaches (Broncos, Chargers, Bills) who would have allowed him to call plays. The Super Bowl-bound Falcons may also need a replacement if Kyle Shanahan gets the 49ers job.

When reached by phone, DeFilippo declined to comment, other than to say, "I'm thrilled to be with the Eagles for another year."

Whether the Eagles offered him an extension or a raise as compensation remains unknown, but DeFilippo has only one year left on his deal. A lot could happen in a year, but if Wentz continues to progress, the coach should once again be a candidate for coordinator posts next offseason.

The Eagles may have to promote DeFilippo to keep him, although they still have Frank Reich as offensive coordinator and Pederson calls plays. When the three were hired last January, Lurie and Roseman stressed their individual experiences as play-callers and their vast history developing quarterbacks.

But DeFilippo was the only one of three to have worked extensively with rookie quarterbacks. He has virtually seen it all. From car wrecks such as JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel to success stories such as Derek Carr and Mark Sanchez - and now Wentz.

In blocking DeFilippo, Lurie understood the importance of keeping the quarterback room intact and avoiding anything that could potentially disrupt Wentz's development. It should be noted, however, that the Raiders didn't stop DeFilippo from taking the Browns job after just one season with Carr.

And Carr did just fine after DeFilippo left.

But Lurie's block was not only extremely rare for an owner, but it potentially undermined Pederson. The only other coaching move the Eagles made this offseason was to fire wide receivers coach Greg Lewis and replace him with Mike Groh.

Roseman reiterated, when asked about Lewis, that Pederson has final say over his staff. But in light of the DeFilippo situation, could Lurie have forced the dismissal of the receivers coach? Again, everything is seemingly in play, especially as it relates to Wentz.

Lurie had sharp coaches in place during Donovan McNabb's early years - Andy Reid, of course, and Brad Childress. And Reid and team president Joe Banner surrounded him with a strong offensive line and running game. But there was the perception that the Eagles failed to win a Super Bowl, particularly from 2000 to 2003, because they lacked top-flight receivers.

Lurie, per sources familiar with his thinking, is prepared to give Wentz the skill-position players he lacks. It's little surprise that the Eagles know they need to upgrade at receiver and running back. Roseman and vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas said as much here. The question is to what lengths will they go?

"This is a unique situation," Douglas said Wednesday, "an opportunity to find guys that love football as much as Carson, and have them come in here and grow with Carson and develop as a team."

Could Alshon Jeffery, who is expected to command top dollar, be in play if the Bears decide not to put the franchise tag on the receiver? The Eagles would have to clear a fair amount of cap space. Connor Barwin and Jason Kelce had better not make plans for next season if that were the case - probably even if it weren't.

Having a quarterback still on his rookie contract also affords the Eagles the opportunity to spend some money - at least until they're able to extend him following the 2018 season.

Lurie, who attended Senior Bowl practices for the second straight year, wasn't made available to reporters. He hasn't spoken since March. Asked if his boss was here providing input on players, Roseman said, "No, he's asking questions."

Last January, Lurie caught his first in-person glimpse of Wentz. It should be a reminder to the Eagles that Wentz is still only a year removed from playing Division I-AA football.

Lurie seems to grasp that, otherwise why would he have denied DeFilippo a chance to advance?

If you go back to after Wentz's hot three-game start, it was DeFilippo who cautioned that the rookie would hit valleys, along with peaks, while Pederson and Reich were already comparing the quarterback to Peyton Manning and Jim Kelly.

Wentz ran into the typical hurdles quarterbacks face in their first seasons. But Lane Johnson's suspension and injuries on the offensive line, along with the season-long ineffectiveness of his outside receivers, created trust problems for the rookie.

Lurie is committed to creating an environment in which Wentz doesn't have as many concerns. But has he and will he take the right steps, or should he be careful not to overstep his bounds?

jmclane@phillynews.com

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_top/412006646.html

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The narrative that Bowles didn't have a plan and doesn't know what he is doing seems much more feasible. Why are these Philly writers trying to fog that notion?

Seriously, Lurie is taking a step back into control of his team, as he let a Roseman/Kelly circus to take place as he tried to step away.

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5 minutes ago, C Mart said:

How Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie pulled rank and blocked QB coach John DeFilippo from leaving for Jets

MOBILE, Ala. - When Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman hired John DeFilippo to be the Eagles' quarterbacks coach a year ago they told him that if he had an offer to become an offensive coordinator they wouldn't stand in his way.

Earlier this month, the New York Jets asked to interview DeFilippo for that very job. Pederson and Roseman, true to their word, signed off on the request. NFL teams can't block assistants from auditioning for head coaching vacancies, but they can prevent them from interviewing for coordinator positions.

It's unclear whether DeFilippo would have gotten the Jets job or even wanted it, but he never got an opportunity to toss his hat in the ring. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie stepped in and rescinded the original consent, according to four independent NFL sources.

Lurie's obstruction was first reported by ESPN, but Inquirer sources provided more detail of how the Eagles owner stepped in, and more important, why he pulled rank, as he had never done before.

While the why is obvious (Carson Wentz, duh), Lurie's blocking of DeFilippo represents his passion - some called it his "obsession" - with making sure the young quarterback has all the tools necessary to thrive. That meant retaining the assistant who played a significant role in Wentz's rookie season, and that means acquiring skill position talent this offseason.

When asked Wednesday who blocked DeFilippo, Roseman said that Pederson "decides who's on the [coaching] staff." Pederson declined to comment when approached Thursday at the Senior Bowl.

Because the Jets were the first to approach DeFilippo, the former Browns offensive coordinator never had the chance to be considered for more attractive teams that would eventually hire defensive-minded coaches (Broncos, Chargers, Bills) who would have allowed him to call plays. The Super Bowl-bound Falcons may also need a replacement if Kyle Shanahan gets the 49ers job.

When reached by phone, DeFilippo declined to comment, other than to say, "I'm thrilled to be with the Eagles for another year."

Whether the Eagles offered him an extension or a raise as compensation remains unknown, but DeFilippo has only one year left on his deal. A lot could happen in a year, but if Wentz continues to progress, the coach should once again be a candidate for coordinator posts next offseason.

The Eagles may have to promote DeFilippo to keep him, although they still have Frank Reich as offensive coordinator and Pederson calls plays. When the three were hired last January, Lurie and Roseman stressed their individual experiences as play-callers and their vast history developing quarterbacks.

But DeFilippo was the only one of three to have worked extensively with rookie quarterbacks. He has virtually seen it all. From car wrecks such as JaMarcus Russell and Johnny Manziel to success stories such as Derek Carr and Mark Sanchez - and now Wentz.

In blocking DeFilippo, Lurie understood the importance of keeping the quarterback room intact and avoiding anything that could potentially disrupt Wentz's development. It should be noted, however, that the Raiders didn't stop DeFilippo from taking the Browns job after just one season with Carr.

And Carr did just fine after DeFilippo left.

But Lurie's block was not only extremely rare for an owner, but it potentially undermined Pederson. The only other coaching move the Eagles made this offseason was to fire wide receivers coach Greg Lewis and replace him with Mike Groh.

Roseman reiterated, when asked about Lewis, that Pederson has final say over his staff. But in light of the DeFilippo situation, could Lurie have forced the dismissal of the receivers coach? Again, everything is seemingly in play, especially as it relates to Wentz.

Lurie had sharp coaches in place during Donovan McNabb's early years - Andy Reid, of course, and Brad Childress. And Reid and team president Joe Banner surrounded him with a strong offensive line and running game. But there was the perception that the Eagles failed to win a Super Bowl, particularly from 2000 to 2003, because they lacked top-flight receivers.

Lurie, per sources familiar with his thinking, is prepared to give Wentz the skill-position players he lacks. It's little surprise that the Eagles know they need to upgrade at receiver and running back. Roseman and vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas said as much here. The question is to what lengths will they go?

"This is a unique situation," Douglas said Wednesday, "an opportunity to find guys that love football as much as Carson, and have them come in here and grow with Carson and develop as a team."

Could Alshon Jeffery, who is expected to command top dollar, be in play if the Bears decide not to put the franchise tag on the receiver? The Eagles would have to clear a fair amount of cap space. Connor Barwin and Jason Kelce had better not make plans for next season if that were the case - probably even if it weren't.

Having a quarterback still on his rookie contract also affords the Eagles the opportunity to spend some money - at least until they're able to extend him following the 2018 season.

Lurie, who attended Senior Bowl practices for the second straight year, wasn't made available to reporters. He hasn't spoken since March. Asked if his boss was here providing input on players, Roseman said, "No, he's asking questions."

Last January, Lurie caught his first in-person glimpse of Wentz. It should be a reminder to the Eagles that Wentz is still only a year removed from playing Division I-AA football.

Lurie seems to grasp that, otherwise why would he have denied DeFilippo a chance to advance?

If you go back to after Wentz's hot three-game start, it was DeFilippo who cautioned that the rookie would hit valleys, along with peaks, while Pederson and Reich were already comparing the quarterback to Peyton Manning and Jim Kelly.

Wentz ran into the typical hurdles quarterbacks face in their first seasons. But Lane Johnson's suspension and injuries on the offensive line, along with the season-long ineffectiveness of his outside receivers, created trust problems for the rookie.

Lurie is committed to creating an environment in which Wentz doesn't have as many concerns. But has he and will he take the right steps, or should he be careful not to overstep his bounds?

jmclane@phillynews.com

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_top/412006646.html

Good stuff, C Mart, but I stopped reading after that.:D 

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Maybe DiFilippo was the plan all along, before Laurie put the Kabosh on it. If the assumption was that he would be free to take the job, maybe this was what Bowles was thinking. Real sc*mbag move by Laurie, if there was a promise in place. 

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it could be that defillipo is the guy and the jets are now negotiating with the beagles to let him leave.  it doesn't make sense for them to hold anyone against their will even if they have a contract.  so what is this guy worth?  a fifth? sixth?  i doubt any coordinator is worth a first or second rounder.

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4 hours ago, C Mart said:

What?  How is what you're saying applying to this report?

the eagles did what they had to do to keep the guy around, and don't give a rats ass if he likes it or not, making them assholes, just like the guy (steeler I think) who said after the antonio brown taping tomlin saying the patriots are assholes correctly pointed out that about everybody in the NFL is an a$$hole

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5 hours ago, JetPotato said:

I'm sure DiFilippo will be very motivated this year

Exactly. If they're going to block him from advancing his career, then they have taken away his incentive to do his job well. That's a sh!tty move on Philly's part, if true. 

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1 hour ago, sourceworx said:

Exactly. If they're going to block him from advancing his career, then they have taken away his incentive to do his job well. That's a sh!tty move on Philly's part, if true. 

if wentz does well but the team loses, he could be in line for the HC job in philly

maybe

potentially

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10 minutes ago, sourceworx said:

If he turned Hackenberg into a good QB, he'd have teams knocking down his door with HC offers. 

true, but his owner wants him to sit down and shut up, so he is doing it to show other owners he is a good company man.  

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Wait? I thought that Defilippo used the Eagles to block the request because neither he nor any other qualified candidate would want to come coach for the Jets. Clearly all of the fans here who said that it was a cover and the Jets are a joke are smarter and better informed than some Philadelphia reporter. :-)

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