PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles' search for a top personnel man to assist coach Chip Kelly is nearing the one-month point. There has been little reliable information for the past couple of weeks.
On Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider provided a nugget. Speaking at Super Bowl media day, Schneider told reporters that Seahawks director of college scouting Scott Fitterer has interviewed with the Eagles. According to a tweet from the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, Schneider also said that Fitterer would be remaining in Seattle.
That is consistent with the impression left by a knowledgeable NFL source. He said several potential candidates he knew were not interested in the Eagles’ opening because of the situation. Kelly was given final say on personnel decisions in the restructuring that followed the Eagles' 10-6 season. But former general manager Howie Roseman was nudged aside and remains employed by the Eagles.
What role would Roseman play? If Kelly decides to bolt the NFL for a college opening, as often speculated, would Roseman regain his GM duties? What would happen to the personnel executive then?
For candidates with similar jobs or with even more authority, that makes for a less-than-attractive situation with the Eagles.
This week, reports identified Chris Polian, currently with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins exec Chris Grier as candidates for the job. Both are second-generation NFL personnel men. Polian is the son of longtime executive Bill Polian and Grier’s father, Bobby, works for the Houston Texans. Bobby Grier was a longtime personnel man for the New England Patriots.
Sheldon White, the Detroit Lions’ vice president of player personnel, has also been identified as a candidate.
Kelly spent last week in Mobile, Ala., for Senior Bowl practices. There was plenty of opportunity for Kelly to meet there with personnel people from around the league. With the Super Bowl a few days away and the scouting combine in February, there is a ticking clock on filling a vital personnel job.