The Eagles are one of just three teams left in the NFL that don't currently have a defensive coordinator. Some fans have been frustrated by what they've seen as a lack of urgency in the teams' search for a replacement for Sean McDermott. However, there's been plenty of speculation that the Eagles have been waiting to interview assistants from oneof th Superbowl teams. Reports outside of Philadelphia are now suggesting that that is exactly the case. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is citing a NFL source who confirms that the Eagles will ask to interview Packers secondary coach Darren Perry shortly after the Superbowl.
Perry has coached the secondary for the Bengals under Dick Lebeau, the Steelers under Bill Cowher, the Raiders, and now the Packers. He played his college ball at Penn State and in the NFL for eight years with the Steelers. The list of players he's helped develop is a who's who of the best corners and safeties in football... Troy Polamalu, Nnamdi Asomugha, and now guys like Nick Collins and Tramon Williams in Green Bay. In fact, he's coached at least one guy to a pro bowl in five of the last six seasons.
Our own Tommy Lawlor discussed him more in depth yesterday in a piece I recommend you read if you're looking to learn more.
Something worth noting is that the Packers do not have to allow the Eagles to interview Perry. Considering that Philadelphia is one of their top competitors in the NFC, Green Bay would have good reason to try and keep one of their top assistants away. Under NFL rules, there is no difference between a coordinator and a position coach. There are simply "head" coaches and "assistant" coaches. A team can not deny an assistant the chance to interview for a head coaching job, but they do not have to allow any assistant to interview for a coordinator job. That said, Bob McGinn of the Journal-Sentinel doesn't think the Packers will stand in Perry's way.
At the same time, McCarthy has spoken fervently in the past about being pro-career advancement for his coaches. Plus, he has another outstanding secondary coach in Joe Whitt Jr., who coaches cornerback in a co-equal arrangement with Perry.
Perry has just one year remaining on his contract with the Packers, so it would stand to reason that he might be looking for an advancement anyway.