League sources are confirming that the Eagles are close to bringing Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn to Philadelphia for the same position. Washburn, known for his fiery demeanor, has been one of the more successful defensive line coaches in the NFL. His bio with the Titans touts his many successes.
↵↵↵Over the years, Washburn has demonstrated the ability to develop talent, molding players like Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jevon Kearse, John Thornton, Robaire Smith, Antwan Odom, Kevin Carter, Albert Haynesworth and Tony Brown into top-flight producers. During his tenure, four of his players (Kearse, Vanden Bosch, Carter, Haynesworth) have earned a total of nine Pro Bowl selections.
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Our own Tommy Lawlor commented on the possible hiring of Washburn and while he's bullish on the move, he did warn that Washburn is no magician and that most of his successful players were talented, high picks. That said, Tommy did note that the Eagles have three first round picks, two seconds and a third on their current line. Be sure to check out Tommy's full analysis.
↵Perhaps Washburn's most notable success was ex-Eagle Jason Babin. Babin spent last season in Philadelphia in a bit role where he managed just 2.5 sacks. This past season, under the tutelage of Washburn, Babin racked up 13 sacks and an invite to the Pro Bowl.
↵Clearly, the hiring of Washburn would be a huge upgrade to the Eagles defensive staff after having the seemingly unqualified Rory Segrest in charge of the line the past two seasons. Washburn has been a defensive line coach in the NFL for 12 years and been coaching D-lines in college since the early '80s.