Eagles fire D-line coach Washburn
The Philadelphia Eagles fired veteran defensive line coach Jim Washburn.
The team announced the move in a press release distributed early Monday. Washburn was hired as the Eagles defensive line coach prior to the 2011 season after previously serving in the same role with the Tennessee Titans.
Washburn's defensive line had been one of the most productive in the NFL in 2011, but are 26th in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt and have 20 sacks in 12 games. Washburn was not pleased when the Eagles released their leader in sacks, Jason Babin (5.5). Washburn coached Babin in Tennessee before helping lure him to the Eagles as a free agent before the 2011 season.
Tommy Brasher, the Eagles defensive line coach in 1985 and again from 1999-2005, was promoted to replace Washburn.
"Jim is a fine football coach and we appreciate the efforts he gave to this team over the past two years," said head coach Andy Reid. "However, I determined that it was in the team's best interest that we move in a different direction in terms of trying to maximize the production of that position group. We look forward to having Tommy Brasher back on board to work with the defensive line."
