Takeaways From Chip Kelly’s Final Media Appearances of 2014

Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 49-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

I would be shocked if Billy Davis did not remain as Defensive Coordinator in 2015

One of the first questions in Kelly’s final appearance with the assembled media was about the performance of his defensive coordinator Billy Davis.

There’s no question that Davis and the performance of his defense left a lot to be desired. That said, to play the brand of football that Davis’ scheme is most conducive to, the talent level in the secondary has to be improved. In my opinion, the Eagles’ front seven is a strong enough group to get the job done from their end of the bargain. Unfortunately, having holes in three of the four primary secondary positions is something that is tough to cover up. Though he would not go as far to throwing any of his defensive backs under the bus, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that upgrades have to be made at a minimum of two of the aforementioned three slots. I expect the cornerback position to be priority number one this offseason.

Looping back to Davis, I think Kelly believes he has done admirable work transitioning his current group of personnel out of what was a scheme that could not be more different from what the coordinator prefers. That’s not to say that Kelly won’t look at the film and realize there are some glaring weaknesses in what Davis is trying to do and perhaps alter his course. For the time being, I would predict Davis returns to his post going into the 2015 season.