Philadelphia Eagles: How Steve Spagnuolo Could Save Andy Reid's Job

Philadelphia Eagles longtime head coach Andy Reid has been heavily criticized this season after the "Dream Team" Eagles resembled a nightmare, going 7-8 so far and getting ousted from the playoffs.

But it's worth noting that Reid isn't the only one to blame.

This was a full-scale failure, from the highly-paid players down to the coaches, and more than a few members of this team played and coached below their potential this season.

Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, in particular, appears destined to be relieved of his job in Philadelphia. The fact that the Eagles went with him in the first place after being an offensive coach all these years was a question mark in its own right.

The primary candidate to replace Castillo as defensive coordinator appears to be St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who is widely expected to be fired after the Rams have gone 2-13 this season.

Wrote Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune:

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League sources have said for weeks that (Rams owner Stan) Kroenke plans to clean house after the season, firing both head coach Steve Spagnuolo and General Manager Billy Devaney. League sources also said this week that it is all but certain that Spagnuolo will join Andy Reid’s staff in Philadelphia as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.

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The Eagles have the talent to win the NFC East next season. Despite their shortcomings this season, the secondary sports three former Pro Bowlers in Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel.

However, Samuel, who is due over $20 million the next two seasons and has expressed displeasure in the organization, may be on his way out.

Many people questioned why the Eagles used zone coverage this season when Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie had had success in the past in strict man-to-man schemes.

There was also the issue of the Eagles' rush defense, which allowed 4.3 yards per carry this season.

If the Eagles want any chance of getting back to the top, they're going to have to improve their defense.

With a defensive-minded coach like Spagnuolo, who would have a better defensive roster than he had with the Rams, there's a good chance the Eagles would improve in that area.

Reid needs all the help he can get at this point.