3 Reactions as Philadelphia Eagles rehire Marty Mornhinweg
The Philadelphia Eagles added a familiar face to the nest with the readdition of Marty Mornhinweg.
Well, it appears they aren’t taking any days off at the Novacare Complex. The quest to improve a team that won the NFC East a season ago continues as the Philadelphia Eagles announced on March 5th shortly before dinner time on the East Coast that they were bringing a familiar face back to the nest. They’ve hired Marty Mornhinweg to serve as the team’s senior offensive consultant.
If you’re an Eagles fan that’s been around for a while, you’re no doubt tuning their antennas for some better reception. If you’re a ‘Birds’ fan that’s a little younger, listen up. You may learn something. Here are three thoughts on the move.
1. This is Mornhinweg’s second tour of duty with the team.
It’s not uncommon for us to arrive at this time of year and hear all of the stories about former Eagles that Philly’s thinking about bringing back. Usually, we’re talking about players though, not coaches.
Mornhinweg served as a senior assistant under Andy Reid in 2003 before being promoted to assistant head coach in 2004 and then to the dual role of offensive coordinator and assistant head coach in 2006. He remained in that role until 2013 until he moved on to assume OC duties for the New York Jets.
2. Don’t let his success or lack thereof fool you.
Mornhinweg does have some experience as a head coach. He led the Detroit Lions to a 5-27 record during two seasons at the helm. He isn’t thought of for that, and he won’t be remembered for the work he did at some of his other stops either, but don’t let any of that fool you on what he brings to Philly.
We’re talking about over 30 years of coaching experience. Keep in mind the fact that the last time he was here Duce Staley was still playing, and while working with Andy Reid, Philadelphia experienced some of their best years of offensive football with Mornhinweg assisting on the sideline. The guy is no slouch.
3. How much will this change what we see on offense?
It should be interesting to see how he gels with Doug Pederson, some of the new guys like Rich Scangarello, and the guys who were already here, Duce Staley and Press Taylor for instance.
Though Mornhinweg never worked with Coach Pederson during his playing days here (Doug basically filled in during the 1999 season while Donovan McNabb got ready), these two are very familiar with one another. Those of you who were bummed by Philly’s decision not to hire an OC can rest a little easier when you lie down tonight. Coach Pederson will still call the plays, but he’s got another competent coach to work with.