Report: Eagles interviewing Ron Rivera about DC opening

Field Level Media|published: Mon 22nd January, 12:23 2024

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera (L) shakes hands with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (R) during warmup prior to their game at FedExField. credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles are interviewing former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their recently vacated defensive coordinator position, ESPN reported Monday.

The Eagles reportedly parted ways with defensive coordinator Sean Desai on Sunday.

Rivera, 62, last served as a DC on Norv Turner's staff with the then-San Diego Chargers from 2008-10. The 2010 squad finished first in the NFL in total defense and second in scoring defense.

Rivera is 102-103-2 as a head coach with the Commanders (2020-23) and Carolina Panthers (2011-19). He also has been a defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears (2004-06) and has experience in Philadelphia as Andy Reid's linebackers coach for five seasons from 1999-2003.

Desai, 40, was demoted by head coach Nick Sirianni after lopsided defeats to the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys in December, with Matt Patricia taking over the play-calling duties. The switch to Patricia didn't help as the defense continued to struggle, particularly in the Eagles' 32-9 wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15.

Desai, who took over in February when Jonathan Gannon left to become the Arizona Cardinals' head coach, oversaw a defensive unit that allowed 35 passing touchdowns (second in the NFL) and ranked 30th in red zone and third-down defense in 2023.

—Field Level Media