Eagles' Next Defensive Coordinator: Georgia Coach Glenn Schumann An Option?

Glenn Schumann is the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs, who has familiarity with the many players on the Philadelphia Eagles roster from that program.

The list of former Georgia Bulldogs runs deep on the Philadelphia Eagles roster. Could another one be added before the draft?

Glenn Schumann is the University of Georgia’s defensive coordinator, who has been around the Eagles’ plethora of talent from that campus, including Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo.

Each of those players will have a large role in whatever the Eagles look like this season, so perhaps bringing in someone familiar with them, and them with him, would make sense.

The Eagles interviewed Schumann last year for their DC opening, but Schumann pulled his name out of the running, opting to return for another season with Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.

Georgia DC Glenn Schumann could be an Eagles target to be the defensive coordinator / USA Today

It’s still very early in the search, but there is an opening for a DC after the Eagles fired Sean Desai on Sunday and news broke that Matt Patricia, who had only a one-year deal, will seek other coaching options outside of Philadelphia.

No move has been made on offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, yet. Johnson has had two interviews for a head coaching position and, if he were to land one of them, the Eagles would receive a third-round draft pick in each of the next two drafts as compensation.

It would also mean they wouldn't have to fire him, should that be how they are leaning.

As is the case with Johnson, nothing has been formalized with Nick Sirianni, either. It is a good sign for Sirianni, however, that he seems to be the one who decided to fire Desai. That would seem to indicate his job is safe.

Another indicator is that Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman are scheduled to meet with reporters on Wednesday.

Schumann is just 33. Last year was his first as the sole defensive coordinator of the Georgia defense. He had been the co-DC since 2019. Before joining Smart’s staff in 2015 as a linebackers coach, he spent seven seasons with Nick Saban at the University of Alabama as a student assistant at first before becoming a graduate assistant.

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Ron Rivera and Wink Martindale are also drawing some interest from the Eagles while another potential candidate, Ryan Nielsen, was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars to be their DC on Monday.

Rivera, 62, was reportedly set to interview with the Eagles this week. The former Washinton Commanders and Carolina Panthers head coach, was a linebackers coach for the Eagles for five seasons under Andy Reid starting in 1999.

Martindale, 60, was with the New York Giants, but he and head coach Brian Daboll have parted ways. He would bring years of DC experience, including some successful years with the Baltimore Ravens from 2018-21.