Updated Feb. 1, 2026, 12:38 p.m. ET

The off-season kicked off with the Eagles searching for an offensive coordinator candidate, but the defensive playcaller could be the biggest loss heading into the 2026 campaign. The Eagles’ off-season of uncertainty continues, and this time, it could be a massive shakeup on the defensive side of the football. Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice reported that Vic Fangio planned to retire and that the Eagles were considering Jonathan Gannon or Jim Schwartz’s return to the franchise.

Kempski reports that Philadelphia was at least planning to check on the availability of Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who is unhappy about being passed over for the job in Cleveland and previously served as an Eagles coordinator.

The biggest question is why Philadelphia allowed Christian Parker to leave for Dallas as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, given the significant uncertainty surrounding Fangio’s future. Fangio’s presence helped the Eagles become the NFL’s No. 1 defense, and the defensive coordinator was a finalist for the Assistant Coach of the Year award.

This season under Fangio, the Eagles limited opponents to the league’s lowest completion percentage (56.8%), the best figure since 2008 (54.1%). Philadelphia gave up a league-low 14 passing TDs this year, which were the fewest surrendered by an Eagles defense since 2001 (13). Philadelphia held opponents to the 2nd-lowest passer rating (75.4) in the NFL (Eagles’ best mark since 2008, when they allowed a 72.9 passer rating), behind the L.A. Chargers (75.0). The rating included a 58.1 mark on third/ fourth down and a 64.6 mark in the red zone – both 1st in the NFL.

Philadelphia ranked 5th in points allowed per game (19.1), trailing only Seattle (17.2), Houston (17.4), Denver (18.3), and New England (18.8).

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With uncertainty about Fangio’s future persisting, we’re evaluating 10 early candidates to gauge whether the legendary playcaller will retire or serve as a preview for 2027.

Joe Kasper: Eagles’ DB coach

This is his second stint with Philadelphia after a brief stay in Miami as part of the Dolphins‘ coaching staff.

During his time with the Dolphins, Kasper coached the safety position, helping develop a unit that finished third in the league in sacks (56). Miami finished tied for eighth in takeaways (27) and ranked tenth in total defense. Kasper helped Jevon Holland develop into a Pro Bowl player who landed a lucrative contract with the New York Giants. In Philadelphia, he’s coached Reed Blankenship over the past two years and played an early role in Andrew Mukuba’s development as a rookie.

Zach Orr

Orr, 33, played linebacker for the Ravens; he was John Harbaugh’s hand-picked choice to replace Mike McDonald, and had the support of Ravens players who weren’t playing up to standard. He’s interviewed for the Chargers and Cowboys jobs.

Al Harris, Chicago Bears defensive pass game coordinator and DBs coach

A former NFL player with a proven track record as a defensive backs coach, Harris played a key role in the Cowboys’ defense, which ranked third in the NFL from 2020 to 2024 with 82 interceptions. That production traveled to Chicago with Harris this season, as the Bears lead the NFL with 23 interceptions.

Raheem Morris, former Atlanta Falcons head coach

The Falcons have fired Morris after only two seasons, both of which ended with 8-9 records. Morris, 49, previously served as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator under Sean McVay from 2021 to 2023. During his first season with the Rams, the team won a Super Bowl.

Antonio Pierce

A former Giants star linebacker and former Raiders head coach, Pierce recently interviewed for the Giants’ head coaching job before it went to John Harbaugh.

Wink Martindale

A former Ravens and Michigan defensive coordinator, Martindale’s last NFL defense ranked 17th overall.

Joe Cullen

Currently, Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Cullen has been interviewed by the Washington Commanders for their DC opening. He served as the Ravens’ defensive line coach (2016-2020) under Harbaugh.

Charlie Bullen

Charlie Bullen took over the Giants’ defense in late November after Shane Bowen was fired. He recently interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator job, could remain on John Harbaugh’s Giants staff, and has experience.

Jim Schwartz, Browns: Browns DC

A longtime defensive coordinator, Schwartz, 59, has head-coaching experience, leading the Detroit Lions from 2009 through 2013. In Detroit, Schwartz amassed a 29-52 overall record and led the Lions to the playoffs in 2011, three seasons after they were the first NFL team to go 0-16. Over the last three seasons in Cleveland with the Browns, Schwartz’s unit led the league in total defense in 2023 and ranked fourth this season, as Myles Garrett recorded 23 sacks and broke the NFL single-season record.

Anthony Weaver

Weaver played seven seasons in the NFL as a defensive end for the Ravens (2002-2005) and Houston Texans (2006-2008) after being a second-round pick out of Notre Dame. Weaver entered the NFL coaching ranks as an assistant linebackers coach for the New York Jets in 2012. Weaver was the team’s defensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2021, then served as the assistant head coach and defensive line coach from 2022-23 before departing for Miami.