Could Brian Dawkins Be Next Secondary Coach for Philadelphia Eagles?

Andy Reid has gone from one of the most predictable head coaches in the NFL to a capricious man of mystery in hiding.

He hasn't talked to the media and hasn't tipped his hand once with regards to the vacant defensive backs coaching position.

Maybe he's waiting for the dust to settle in Oakland, Tampa Bay and St. Louis. Or maybe he's gong to shock everyone and pursue someone on the Patriots or Giants staff after Super Bowl XLVI.

Neither seem like a logical explanation, so why not kick around a unique idea and speculate a little bit?

What if Reid is waiting to hear about Brian Dawkins' decision to retire?

According to Bill Williams of ESPN.com, Dawkins told a Denver television station that he will consider retirement at the end of the year.

If the nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and future Hall of Famer hangs up the cleats at the end of the year, should Reid pursue Dawkins as the next defensive backs coach for the Eagles?

The fans would obviously love to have Dawkins back in Philadelphia, even if it's only as a coach. He would be seen as the perfect person to help develop players like Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett while also injecting some heart and passion into an otherwise lifeless defense.

The downside is, Reid would get a former player who never played under current defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. Dawkins would have to learn a new system before teaching players he doesn't know very well.

Reid would run a major risk in having it blow up in his face.

Doesn't Reid need to ignore that, though, and make a move to build up some support from the fans? He's never been one to cater to the fans, and maybe that's part of his problem and a reason why his job is on the line.

Why not bring back one of the most respected players in franchise history?

Well, Dawkins may not want to return.

BleacherReport.com's Rob Pasceri wrote a piece about Dawkins' interview with Jeremiah Trotter on sports talk radio station 97.5 The Fanatic.

According to Pasceri Trotter asked Dawkins if he would like to return to Philadelphia. Dawkins said:

"

No, the place that I would be would be with the Broncos. I mean, my family's here, I'm here now and, uh, you know, my kids are in school here. I'm not moving them nowhere. So the place that I would be would be here with the Broncos. If they gave me a chance to play and that's if the Lord put it in my heart to play another year.

"

Ignore the words. They're nothing more than Dawkins saying the right things in an attempt to not ruffle any feathers back in Denver.

Even if Dawkins is sincere, Reid still owes it to himself and the organization to at least ask Dawkins if he is interested in a coaching career with the Eagles.