The Philadelphia Eagles have barely put a foot wrong over the past two years but they’re really walking the tightrope with their most recent hire. After a botched announcement from the team, it was revealed that former Pats/Lions coach, Matt Patricia, would be joining the Eagles.
There are plenty of reasons why fans would be concerned with this move but none more pressing than how vocal Darius Slay has been about the disrespect he was once shown.
Darius Slay and his previous beef with Matt Patricia
Darius Slay made his career in Detroit. His legacy even now is mostly as a corner who ground his way to the top of his profession as a Lion, putting up some staggering numbers along the way. the blemish on that record is his turbulent relationship with a former Head Coach…
The Eagles cornerback opened up about his experience with Matt Patricia during Super Bowl week:
He basically just said, You are not in that category yet. At that time, I only had one Pro Bowl, but now I’m at five, so I wanna know how he feels about that now. I don’t wish bad on him, but as a man, me and him just don’t get along. He’s a smart coach, he knows his X’s and O’s, but the disrespect is not what I’m with.
It’s not the only time he’s spoken out, either:
Former Eagles LB Stephen Tulloch has also been vocal about Patricia:
Why would the Eagles want Matt Patricia?
There is a link between Patricia and the Eagles. Sean Desai got into coaching under Al Golden, who was the LB coach for the Lions when Matt Patricia was Head Coach. The two are bound to intertwine philosophies, but there are also plenty of other alternative options.
As for why the Eagles would want a coach with such a troubled history despite building such a strong character-based culture? No idea.
The Eagles give a response
Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni were quizzed on the hire the second today’s presser opened up, with the Eagles Head Coach saying:
“His resume speaks for itself. He gives you a great mind that’s done it at the highest level. It gives you great ability to bounce ideas with the defensive staff. It also gives me another former head coach to bounce off of as well.”
He also mentioned that due diligence was carried out before the hire and that both guys could have a ‘good working relationship.’
It doesn’t feel like the smoothest move in the world for a team so set on building things the right way. It’s beyond confusing.
I’m sure we’ll hear from Darius Slay one way or another. Buckle up…
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
