Eagles Notes: New Jaguars coach Gus Bradley says Eagles were 'first-class'

By Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: January 24, 2013

MOBILE, Ala. - The Jacksonville Jaguars' new coach, Gus Bradley, reflected on a whirlwind week Tuesday as he watched a Senior Bowl practice.

Bradley interviewed with the Eagles last week, left for Florida without getting an offer, found out a day later that Chip Kelly had gotten the job, and then ultimately accepted the Jaguars offer.

Bradley said he didn't know that Kelly had reentered the picture when he left Philadelphia without a deal.

"I knew that they just needed some time," he said. "My whole intent was to go down to Jacksonville and see what that was all about. Once I got on the plane and was headed there, I forgot about Philadelphia.

"I knew that would come in time, their decision, and I really wanted my focus to be to do a good job down in Jacksonville."

Many Eagles fans have not forgotten about Bradley. He will always be known as the runner-up to Kelly. There was great support for the former Seahawks defensive coordinator even though many fans hadn't even heard of him until a few weeks earlier.

When Bradley flew to Philadelphia for his second interview, many fans tracked his flight online. When he landed at Northeast Airport, television cameras caught his arrival. And when he was escorted to owner Jeffrey Lurie's Wynnewood mansion, news helicopters followed the vehicle.

"It was flattering," Bradley said. "I think it wasn't me, it was just the possibility of a new head coach."

Lurie said last week that the Eagles told Bradley at the conclusion of his Jan. 15 interview that it was down to him and another candidate. The next morning, Lurie called Bradley and informed him that he was hiring Kelly.

"We had a great conversation," Bradley said. "I thought they handled it first-class. The whole process and how they dealt with me, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity and I really enjoyed it."

Coaching search

The Eagles' defensive coordinator search did not yield any new candidates Tuesday, but there is growing speculation that the team may be waiting to hire a coach from one of the Super Bowl teams.

The most prominent name bandied about has been San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach Ed Donatell. The 54-year-old has been in San Francisco for the last two seasons. He has experience as an NFL defensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons (2004-06) and Green Bay Packers (2000-03).

The only known interview the Eagles have had for their defensive coordinator opening was with New York Giants linebackers coach Jim Herrmann. He pulled his name from consideration on Monday. The Eagles are also believed to be interested in Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

A number of former Eagles assistants continue to find other jobs. Former linebackers coach Mike Caldwell said that he had joined Arizona and former Eagles defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who will oversee the Cardinals' defense.