Ranking the 5 Best Eagles Coach Candidates with Andy Reid Reportedly out

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It might not be quite official, but all indications point to Black Monday hitting the Philadelphia Eagles and Andy Reid.

 

Two sources confirmed Lurie has told Andy he's going in a different direction. Andy Reid is out as Eagles head coach.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) December 30, 2012

Let's not act surprised. Instead, let's take a look at some likely candidates to succeed Reid. 

5. Norv Turner

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Just kidding.

I apologize to anyone that broke their computer or phone screens after reading the title. Just thought I'd bring some levity to such a serious topic. 

4. Jon Gruden

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Any Jon Gruden to the Philadelphia Eagles rumors are just that. Rumors.

Gruden is not a good fit for the Eagles.

It's well-known that he wants a franchise quarterback. He isn't going to find one in Philly. 

Nick Foles is a project at best. The Eagles have a high pick, but this draft is notoriously weak at the quarterback position. 

Forget it, Philly fans. Chuckie isn't coming. 

3. Ray Horton

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I'm going to include Ray Horton in every coaching candidates article until people start paying attention. 

Horton has done great things in the desert. His defense is the third best against the pass and has forced 33 takeaways heading into Week 16. 

He played in the NFL for 10 years, which will garner instant respect in the locker room. Plus, he has the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coaching pedigree that is coveted throughout the league. 

2. Chip Kelly

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The noise surrounding Chip Kelly's departure from Oregon isn't a whisper; it's more akin to one of those screaming at midnight during finals week college traditions. 

As Dan Hanza pointed out, Kelly is going to want personnel control over any franchise that employs him. Since Reid was the general manager and coach in Philadelphia, there won't be any need to fire another employee.

Additionally, the NFL has seen plenty of offensive changes over the past few years that would point to Kelly's system having some success at the pro level. He's shown plenty of ingenuity, meaning he will be able to make adjustments as necessary.

1. Vic Fangio

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Vic Fangio is going to be a hot name this offseason, as he should be.

His San Francisco 49ers defenses have been everything any coach would desire: intimidating, physical and opportunistic. The Niners give up a miserly 17.3 points per game, and that's including the Seahawks debacle. 

Fangio has been in the league in various positions for over 25 years. Someone is going to give him a shot. The Eagles could use a complete philosophical shift, and Fangio (like Horton) would provide a new defense-first mindset. 

His extensive NFL experience and defensive intelligence make him the best candidate for this job.