Defensive line coach Jim Washburn was fired Monday, the latest shakeup for the sinking Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Andy Reid dismissed the abrasive Washburn just hours after the team’s eighth straight loss, 38-33 at the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Former defensive line coach Tommy Brasher will replace Washburn.
This was the third major move on defense in seven weeks. Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo was fired on Oct. 16. Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin was released last week.
The Eagles (3-9) are mired in their worst losing streak since 1968 and searching for answers after opening the season with Super Bowl aspirations.
“I think it’s the best thing for the Philadelphia Eagles and this football team that I made that move,” Reid said. “This was a move that I made. Nobody else made this move. This isn’t a move to save my job. This is a move that I think needed to be done now, and so I did it now.”
Reid is assured of just his third losing season in 14 years, and could be coaching his final games in Philadelphia. Owner Jeffrey Lurie already said the Eagles needed to make “substantial improvement” after going 8-8 last year and that a similar record would be “unacceptable.”
Regardless, Reid has one year left on his contract and is proceeding with important decisions. After firing Washburn, Reid said rookie Nick Foles would be the starting quarterback the rest of the season, even when Michael Vick returns from a concussion.
Holmes seated until April
Santonio Holmes has been off his feet and away from the football field for a few months.
It will be at least April before the New York Jets wide receiver can run again as he heals from a foot injury.
Holmes is still in a bulky walking boot and will have surgery in February to remove the metal plate that was inserted to help repair his left foot, which he injured on Sept. 30. He said doctors told him he will likely be able to start running in April.
Bills cut veteran Morrison
The Buffalo Bills have released veteran linebacker Kirk Morrison, who became the odd-man out on a team needing to fill holes on a banged-up offensive line.
The move was announced Monday, shortly after coach Chan Gailey said the Bills were contemplating making a roster move to free up space after losing two linemen.
