As reported by Charles Robinson of Yahoo, the Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with receivers coach Greg Lewis. Although Lewis had the “can-do” attitude one would want in their young coach, the product showcased on a weekly basis left Eagles fans unsettled at best. “What if?” seemed to be a common phrase used by analysts and fans alike when discussing the corps..and with good reason. In today’s “what have you done for me lately?” NFL, Lewis hadn’t done enough to keep the organization from asking this question.
Now that Lewis has been relieved of his duties, that question becomes “What next?”. One thing is for sure, the “band-aid” approach Vice President Of Football Operations, Howie Roseman has spoken of recently, is not the way to go. This time around they need to bring in a Coach who can work with less, and make more. That in itself is a lot easier said then done, but it is not impossible. The right man could take all of the potential that fills these young wide receivers and help them play to it. Here are three men, who I believe could do that very thing and possibly more.
Tyke Tolbert:
Currently of the Denver Broncos, the 49-year old has over 20 years of coaching experience and has spent time mentoring some of the NFL’s best receivers. Tolbert has spent time in Arizona working with the likes of, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin, helping turn the soon to be Hall Of Famer (Fitzgerald) into the monster he is.
After time in Buffalo and a year in Carolina, Tyke was offered an opportunity in Denver, that would prove to be another step on the path to greatness. Although Demaryius Thomas is the “shiny toy” there, It has been Tolbert’s work with Emmanuel Sanders that has been applause worthy. Taking the young talent from “pretty good”, to arguably a top ten wide receiver in the league.
With Gary Kubiak recently parting ways with the organization, the Broncos are at a crossroads. There’s no guarantee that Kubiak’s replacement won’t want to bring in some assistants of his own. The future is potentially uncertain for Tolbert with plenty of speculation around who the Head Coach will be and if any changes to Offensive Coordinator and other positions will be made accordingly. This gives the Eagles a very narrow window to operate, but one that if they can at least make contact with the ball, could end up going for a home run.
Billy Napier:
Ironically, the Alabama Crimson tide WR coach spent 7 years in the 2000’s under national championship foe Clemson Tigers. His last two were as the offensive coordinator/ Quarterbacks coach under Dabo Swinney.
Napier was only 29 when he took the job (youngest in college history) after a year stint with the tide, helping lead them to a national titile (2011 . He went on to accept an assistant head coaching job in 2012 at Colorado state. Although a year later, Napier would return to Alabama as a wide receivers coach and help Saban and the “tide” to another national title.
Napier has spent time mentoring talent at Alabama including the likes of Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, and Ardarius Stewart. Add that to young talent he is currently molding as of right now and you have the look of a man who not only knows talent, but knows how to get the best out of every last one of them..which is exactly what the Eagles need.
Jeff Scott:
Scott was the offensive coordinator/ receivers coach on the other side of the field to Napier in last nights incredible championship win over Alabama. A young, feisty receiver himself in the early 2000’s, Scott has played in his share of big games. Last night he was tasked with the impossible, beating Nick Saban and his ruthless Defense. The impossible became possible for Clemson, who put up a total of 420 receiving yards against the Crimson Tide.
Scott has mentored play maker after playmaker, at self proclaimed “wide-receiver university”. Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, Deandre Hopkins, and this years top ten draft hopeful Mike Williams, can all attribute there success to the tutelage of young Jeff Scott. Although his coaching experience may not mirror other candidates for the job. Scott is definitely worth the look.
Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
