Eagles offensive, defensive coordinator candidates (Jim Schwartz, Steve Spagnolo and more)

The Eagles have their man (for better or for worse) in Doug Pederson, who will officially be offered and accept the head coaching job at some point this coming week.

A rookie head coach (and offensive coordinator of the Chiefs), Pederson’s success in Philly next season will be dependentin large part on who he surrounds himself with staff-wise.

A few decisions have already trickled down the rumor mill, like the fact that defensive backs coachCory Undlin will return and bring with him Tim Hauck — one of Pederson’s teammates with the Eagles as a player in the late 1990s. They also are hiring college coachKen Flajolein some capacity as well.

The most important positions are still wide open, offensive and defensive coordinator. Here’s a look at some of the possible candidates for each.

Defense

Steve Spagnolo (Giants defensive coordinator): The Giants can block this move if new head coach Ben McAdoo wants him to stay, butLes Bowen and Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Daily News have each reported that Pederson wants Spags. In fact, they say he is Pederson’s top choice. Spagnolo and Pederson each worked as assistants under Andy Reid.

Jim Schwartz (Bills defensive coordinator in 2014, Lions head coach 2009-2013): The Eagles, according toSI.com’s Don Banks and FoxSports.com’s Peter Schrager, are very interested in Schwartz, who took the 2015 season off. He runs the wide-nine scheme and had impressive results in his last threedefensive coordinator seasons.He posted defensive stats good forfifth, seventh, and ninth in the NFL.

Billy Davis (Eagles defensive coordinator): Davis was defended vigorously by former Birds head coach Chip Kelly. But with Kelly gone and looking at the results from Philly’s anemic defense down the stretch last season, it would be surprising if Jeffrey Lurie chose to retain Davis’ services.

Offense

Frank Reich (Chargers offensive coordinator): Prior to being fired by the Charges, Reich served as an NFL head coach continuously since 2008. According to the Daily News’ Hayes, he is Pederson’s top choice to be his offensive coordinator.

Brad Childress (Chiefs “spread game analyst”): Eagles fans know Childress from his days as the Birds’ offensive coordinator under Reid. He is currently serving as an assistant for the Chiefs, and recently was the Vikings head coach. He is a viable candidate for the position.

Pat Shurmur (Eagles offensive coordinator): Shurmurwas a legitimate candidate to replace Kelly as head coach and could return under Pederson. He has familiarity with the Eagles offensive personnel and, having coached Sam Bradford in both Philly and St. Louis, could be a key cog in convincingBradford to remain with the Eagles.