It took a bit of time for the Philadelphia Eagles, but they have finally found their replacement for Christian Parker for the 2026 season.
Parker served as the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator over the last two seasons before the Dallas Cowboys hired him as defensive coordinator. Since then, the Eagles have sought to replace him, as originally reported, with safeties coach Joe Kasper being promoted to defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator.
Now it appears as though another defensive backs coach is being hired, with former Buffalo Bills nickels coach Mike Pellegrino, according to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz. Pellegrino spent 10 years with the New England Patriots as an assistant, winning two Super Bowls before joining Buffalo last year.
Eagles hire Mike Pellegrino as a defensive backs coach
There is some confusion about Pellegrino's role on the Eagles' coaching staff: whether he will truly be the defensive backs coach or do something else within the secondary. That will have to be clarified by the team.
Pellegrino has done some good work over the years, helping the Patriots with strong secondary play during their two Super Bowl titles. Last season, he delivered some great performances in the Bills' secondary with Christian Bedford at nickel.
While there haven't been as many changes in the Eagles' defensive coaching staff, the group of coaches working under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is solid and can be viewed as one of the best in the NFL. Pellegrino is just another great, experienced coach that this young secondary needs.
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When the 2026 season kicks off, it will be more about how good this secondary will look and whether they can put together another elite-level year with Fangio, most likely coaching his final season in the NFL.