New Head Honcho: Part 7

Over the last few weeks I have been looking at potential head coaching candidates for the Eagles with the assumption that Andy Reid would be fired. I most recently covered Jon Gruden, Ray Horton, and Vic Fangio but you can see the entire list here.

Now that Reid’s firing is official, it’s time to examine one name that keeps popping up in connection to the Birds.

Mike McCoy – Offensive coordinator, Denver Broncos

McCoy is great candidate for the job, in part, because of his coaching background.

He began his coaching with the Carolina Panthers from 2000-2008. During that stretch he worked as an offensive assistant (2000, 2002), wide receivers coach (2001), quarterbacks coach (2002-2008), and passing game coordinator (2007-2008) under John Fox.

What’s impressive about his time in Carolina is that McCoy quickly moved up the ranks and handled multiple responsibilities. He was named the quarterbacks coach of an NFL team after only two seasons of coaching ever in addition to his duties as an offensive assistant. Through the 2007 and 2008 campaigns McCoy doubled as a QB coach and passing game coordinator as well.

That experience led him to Mile High Stadium in 2009 when McCoy was hired as the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. His stint as offensive coordinator has been fascinating to say the least. The easiest evidence is in the numbers.

Notice the highlighted portion of the chart. Simply put, it’s ridiculous. Those numbers describe what makes Mike McCoy such a viable candidate on the market: versatility.

In the 2010 season-a 4-12 campaign with Kyle Orton at the helm-the Broncos were the 26th in the league for rushing yards a game. However, in 2011, McCoy created an entirely new offensive system for Tim Tebow and instantly improved from the 26th best rushing team in the league to the best in a single season. Wow.

Then, take a look at the leap from 2011 to 2012. The biggest difference? McCoy took a then ailing passing attack, ranked 31st in the league under Tebow, to 5th best in the league with Peyton. Again, job well done.

As you can see, Mike McCoy has the type of versatility that would make Charles Darwin smile. From year to year he’s been able to change his entire scheme according to the personnel on the roster. For that exact reason, he’s a fantastic coaching candidate.

So, from the Eagles perspective, if McCoy has been able to maximize the ability of Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, and a damaged Peyton Manning then who’s to say that he can’t help Nick Foles?

Also, McCoy’s signing could mean good news for his long lost brother LeSean. He’s demonstrated a willingness to run in the past and would likely utilize Shady to the best of his ability. You know, something a coach should be expected to do regularly.

So, Philly fans, keep your eyes on the Eagles interview with McCoy on Sunday and how the Broncos play during the playoffs. Their offensive coordinator might just be the next head honcho.