"We are thrilled to add a quality defensive line coach in Jim Washburn," coach Andy Reid said in a statement released by the Eagles, who let predecessor Rory Segrest go when they fired coordinator Sean McDermott last week "He had a great tenure with Jeff Fisher and the Tennessee Titans and he'll play a big part in the development of our defensive line moving forward. He's had a number of Pro Bowl players working under him over the years with the Titans and we're happy to have him join our coaching staff in Philadelphia."
The 61-year-old Washburn spent the past 12 seasons with the Titans whom he helped win an AFC Championship, three division titles and post five winning records.
"Words cannot express the gratitude I have for (Tennessee coach) Jeff Fisher and the Titans organization for allowing a nobody like me to coach in the NFL for the last 12 years. An opportunity came along for me to join the Eagles and I felt like it was good timing. At this stage of my career, I'm ready to make a change.
"This is no reflection on the state of the Titans but just a good opportunity for me. My wife, Sandy, and I have long planned to make Middle Tennessee our home and that is still our plan. However, we look forward to moving to Philadelphia and joining a top-flight organization like the Eagles and work for a premier coach in Andy Reid."
As far as who Washburn's direct supervisor will be, it seems likely that it will be former Chicago/Detroit/Buffalo coach Dick Jauron, who guided Philadelphia's defensive backs last season, or former Atlanta and Seattle coach Jim Mora Jr. Mora, who interviewed with new Broncos coach John Fox on Tuesday but left Denver without signing a contract. Mora is expected to meet next with Reid, who's currently on vacation.
During Washburn's tenure, the Titans ranked fifth against the run and seventh in sacks. Seven of his players -- Jason Babin, Kevin Carter, Albert Haynesworth, Jevon Kearse, Antwan Odom, Robaire Smith, John Thornton and Gary Walker -- combined to be chosen for 11 Pro Bowls. According to the Eagles, those were both NFL bests during the past dozen seasons.
Having set a precedent for a stunning intradivisional deal by trading face of the franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Redskins last April, maybe Reid will gamble that Washburn can get the most out of Haynesworth again and trade for the 2007-08 All Pro, who was miserable and not that productive in Washington the last two seasons. Haynesworth praised Washburn more than once to Washington reporters and back in 2003 he told a Nashville reporter, "He was cussing at me ... and I was like, 'Is this guy serious?' I didn't think I could take it, but I did, and it helped me out a lot."
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