Eagles Defense Loses Its Architect

In the NFL, it must be a very special day when you are promoted to one of the top levels of the coaching profession. At the opening of Philadelphia Eagles training camp, new Eagles defensive coordinator, Sean McDermott, was to have his coming out party. For the first time he would lead an Eagles defense out onto the practice field and make his predecessor proud. Instead many hours later McDermott’s legendary mentor lost his battle with cancer. Former Eagles defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, passed away last Tuesday at the age of 68.

McDermott was named the new coordinator just days prior to the opening of camp as it became apparent Johnson would not be available to coach this season. Although Johnson would miss the season, it appeared nobody truly anticipated he would succumb to cancer so soon after the decision to replace him.

Johnson's tenure with the Eagles was the highlight of a 22-year career as an NFL assistant. He joined the team back in 1999 and his defenses have garnered a top 10 rank in overall defense in each of those years culminating with a 3rd place ranking this past season. From 2000 to 2008, the Eagles defense has recorded the 2nd most sacks in the league due in large part to the style of defense Johnson employed. Many of his peers considered Johnson’s defenses to be one of the most aggressive hard-charging styles in the league. Some thought of Johnson's scheme to be a hybrid of the old Buddy Ryan 46 defense which proved successful for past Eagles teams and the 1985 Championship Chicago Bears.

Nonetheless, Johnson was known for blitz packages that confused many a quarterback and offensive coordinator. He had the uncanny ability to make his blitzes work even though everyone in the stadium and the fans at home knew it was coming…but from where?

Johnson was beloved by his players including the 26 pro bowlers he produced during his tenure. His devotion to his men and ability to teach should not miss its mark with those players he left behind and the defensive coordinator replacing him.

Sean McDermott has been on the Eagles staff since 1998 and has spent the past 8 years directly under Johnson's supervision. How do Eagles fans know if McDermott’s defenses will be as successful?

One indication of Johnson's tremendous influence can be found in the men he mentored to be superb professional coaches. Baltimore Ravens coach, John Harbaugh, proved to be a rousing success in his first season as a head coach. He guided the Ravens as far as the AFC Championship last year. He would be the first person to tell you how much he learned from Johnson while in Philadelphia.

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Another new head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, learned his coaching craft under the tutelage of Johnson as well. He would later become the great defensive coordinator of the hated rival, New York Giants. His similar style of attacking defense was instrumental in securing a Super Bowl title for the Giants back in 2008. During this off-season, Spagnuolo obtained the top post as head coach of the St. Louis Rams.

Other successful coaches who have worked under Johnson include the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera…and Leslie Frazier, defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Both the Chargers and Vikings defenses are predicated on a similar concept than that of the Eagles…pressuring the opposing team's quarterback and throwing off the rhythm of the offense. Rivera and Frazier are up and coming successful coordinators who have both recently been top candidates for head coaching positions in the league.

So that brings us back to the new man...McDermott. If he proves to have learned as much as the aforementioned coordinators and head coaches, then he will again produce a top 10 defense in Philly. Skeptics seem to not question McDermott's competency with x’s and o’s but question his ability to dial up the right defensive call at the right time. Will he have the same deft touch, the foresight to call the right blitz from the correct side of the defense? Can he be at least half the coordinator Johnson was?

Not for one second do I doubt the job McDermott will do. Nobody can honestly replace and duplicate Jim Johnson's success but all indications show not only could Johnson coach, mentor and direct young players, he had the same success and influence with young coaches. There will be a time this season when McDermott will have the opportunity to secure a victory for the Eagles with an outstanding play call. He can look to the sky and thank Johnson for teaching him everything he knows. The first time that happens will be when every Eagles fan is convinced, this coach is ready to lead the Eagles back to the playoffs and eventually to the Super Bowl.

By Tracy Lawrence
ProFootball-fans.com Philadelphia Eagles Correspondent