The Eagles took care of one glaring need. The team hired former Titans assistant Jim Washburn to coach its defensive line.
Washburn, 61, who spent the last 12 seasons in Tennessee, is considered one of the best in the business. Since 1999, the Titans have ranked seventh in the NFL in sacks (474), while ranking fifth-best against the run.
“An opportunity came along for me to join the Eagles and I felt like it was good timing,” Washburn said. “At this stage of my career, I’m ready to make a change. This is no reflection on the state of the Titans but just a good opportunity for me.”
Perhaps his greatest asset is his teaching style, which turned Eagles cast-off Jason Babin into a Pro Bowl player. Babin finished tied for third in the NFL with 12.5 sacks last season. Babin is scheduled to become a free agent, and has expressed an interest in returning to Philadelphia.
“There’s been no ‘Hey Jason, we want you in Philly’ discussions, but it would be hard for me not to contemplate it,” Babin told The Tennessean.
