Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni understands the price of success after his team’s run to Super Bowl LVII. Several of Sirianni’s assistant coaches were poached by teams around the NFL this offseason, including defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Who will replace Gannon at defensive coordinator in Philadelphia?
Who Is the Eagles’ Defensive Coordinator?
Sean Desai was hired by the Eagles this offseason to replace Gannon as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator. Desai has one season of experience as an NFL defensive coordinator, which was with the Chicago Bears in 2021.
Desai actually started his coaching career at Temple University in 2006, which is also located in Philadelphia. Therefore, his journey up the coaching ranks has ironically come full circle as he returns to where it all started. Desai spent last season as an associate head coach for the Seattle Seahawks.
How Long Has Sean Desai Been the Eagles’ Defensive Coordinator?
Desai will be making his debut as the Eagles’ DC this season. He was hired this past offseason to replace Gannon, who left Philadelphia to be the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Although Desai is new to Philadelphia, he has plenty of experience.
MORE: Who Is the Philadelphia Eagles’ Offensive Coordinator?
As mentioned, Desai started his coaching career at Temple and later earned his first NFL coaching job in 2013. He spent several seasons with the Bears, working his way up from defensive quality control coach that year to defensive coordinator in 2021.
Who Was the Defensive Coordinator Before Sean Desai?
The departed Gannon was Philadelphia’s DC before Desai. Gannon had quite an inconsistent tenure in Philadelphia. At times, the Eagles’ defense was dominant, yet they consistently struggled against the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Despite going up against one of the best NFL offenses in Super Bowl LVII, the performance of Gannon’s defense was embarrassing, and many called for his firing following the big game. Nevertheless, the Arizona Cardinals decided to hire Gannon as their next head coach. After last season, both the Eagles and Gannon are likely comfortable moving on.