Ed Marynowitz to be Named Chip Kelly’s VP of Player Personnel

Nearly a calendar month after the Eagles announced a realigned front-office that would push former General Manager Howie Roseman back into being a cap guy and give Chip Kelly full power over player personnel, Kelly has reportedly selected his new “Vice President of Player Personnel”.

Since that report, Chip Kelly, owner Jeffrey Lurie and Marynowitz himself have all spoken.

From Chip Kelly.

"“Ed is someone who has really impressed me going back to my interview process with the Eagles two years ago,” said head coach Chip Kelly. “He’s very bright, detailed, organized and his vision was aligned with what we want to accomplish. I spoke with a lot of people outside of our organization over the past few weeks and in the end, Ed was the most impressive.”“I can’t tell you how well thought of Ed is in the scouting business. What many people in the football community told me matched exactly what I thought of him from Day One.”“When you work with him and meet with him regularly – which I have done over the last two years – you appreciate how smart and thoughtful he is,” added Kelly. “I’m excited to continue working hand-in-hand with him for the next several years.”"

From Jeffrey Lurie.

"“I valued Ed’s point of view and smart perspective then and really got to know him well during that search. I am confident in his abilities in this new role,” said Lurie. “I believe that Chip and Ed will work well together and implement a thoroughly integrated approach to player evaluation.”“I’m excited and appreciative about the opportunity Mr. Lurie, Chip Kelly and the Eagles organization have given me,” said Marynowitz, who signed a three-year contract."

Maryowitz on being promoted, which apparently comes with a three-year deal.

"“We intend to build a collaborative and competitive work environment with our coaches, one built upon trust and respect with a focus on winning. I have had a great experience working with Chip over the last two years and the opportunity to work with him in this new capacity is one I look forward to.“Our goal as a personnel department will be to develop a detailed process to maximize each segment of the scouting calendar in order to support and execute Chip’s vision.”"

Even Nick Saban, who Maryowitz helped to build a dynasty with at Alabama, spoke glowingly of the new Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel.

"“This is a great opportunity for Ed and I think Philadelphia made an excellent decision in terms of expanding his role and responsibilities in the organization,” said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. “Ed did an outstanding job for us when he was here and made a great contribution to our program as director of player personnel. The thing I was most impressed with was how much he wanted to learn in the area of player evaluation and his knowledge in that area really expanded during his time at Alabama. We’re very happy for Ed and his family and wish him the best in this new position.”"

It’s nice to know for future reference that the Eagles have a relationship with Saban.

Marynowitz, who has been with the organization since 2012, is just 30 years-old, but given his background, the former Assistant Director of Player Personnel was well on his way to becoming a General Manager (or highly-valued personnel executive) somewhere in the league.

Via the Philadelphia Eagles Official Website 

"Prior to joining the Eagles, Marynowitz spent four years with the University of Alabama (2008-11) as the program’s director of player personnel, directing the team’s football recruiting efforts. He also served as the liaison between Alabama and NFL scoutsand assisted in the day-to-day administration and operation of the football program.During his time in Tuscaloosa, Marynowitz was instrumental in helping construct three straight consensus No. 1 recruiting classes, while all five classes during his time at Alabama ranked in the top five in the country. From his recruiting classes with the Tide, six players have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Additionally, seven players have earned AP All-American honors, while six have garnered first-team All-SEC accolades. TheTide went 36-5 during his three seasons with the team, winning the BCS National Championship in 2009 and 2011."

In the end, Maryowitz beat out Sheldon White (Lions’ Assistant Director of Player Personnel), Chris Grier (Dolphins’ Director of College Scouting) and Chris Polian (Jaguars’ Director of Player Personnel) for the job. The team also reportedly had some of their other top candidates show little to no interest in the position, or be blocked/promoted by their current team to keep them from bolting to join Chip’s front office.

Make no mistake: this isn’t a General Manager’s gig. Had it been, the position likely would have been filled weeks ago with a candidate who has more NFL experience. That said, the Eagles appear to have selected a candidate in Maryowitz that has worked with some very successful coaches and executives, and may end up being someone that Chip Kelly turns over more power to each off-season that he is successful.