As the 2025 NFL season wraps and all eyes turn toward Super Bowl LX, the Eagles may be watching from home - but their fingerprints are all over the big game and the coaching carousel that’s been spinning at full speed across the league.
Let’s break down where some familiar faces from Philly have landed and what it all means as we head into the final chapter of the NFL season.
Eagles Alumni in Super Bowl LX
With just one game left on the calendar, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are set to square off in Super Bowl LX - and both rosters feature some former Eagles still chasing glory.
New England comes into the matchup loaded with Philly connections. Linebacker Christian Elliss, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and interior defensive lineman Milton Williams are all suiting up for the Patriots. And after the Eagles opted not to sign outside linebacker Patrick Johnson to a futures deal, he found a spot on New England’s practice squad, giving him a chance to stay in the mix during this postseason run.
Over on the Seattle sideline, cornerback Josh Jobe is looking to cap his season with a championship ring - a big opportunity for a young player who carved out a role in a competitive secondary.
One of the most intriguing storylines? Milton Williams.
After helping the Eagles win it all last season, he signed a massive deal with New England and now has a shot at going back-to-back. Despite missing five games due to a high ankle sprain, Williams still made his presence felt - notching 3.5 sacks and eight QB hits.
If he can bring that kind of pressure on the game’s biggest stage, he could be a difference-maker once again.
Jim Schwartz on the Move?
Cleveland’s coaching shake-up took a surprising turn when the Browns moved on from Kevin Stefanski and began their search for a new head coach. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was a strong internal candidate - he even made it to the final round of interviews - but the Browns ultimately chose former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken to lead the team.
That decision may have closed the door on Schwartz’s time in Cleveland. Reports say he bid farewell to several people in the building and left with no plans to return in 2026.
While he’s still under contract, meaning he can’t take another job without the Browns’ approval, Schwartz is expected to draw interest elsewhere. The 49ers could be one of the teams looking to bring him in for an interview, and given his track record - including his time as Eagles DC - he should have no shortage of options.
Former Eagles Coaches on the Move
The coaching carousel has been spinning fast this offseason, and several former Eagles coaches are landing in new spots - including some staying within the NFC East.
- Christian Parker, who made a quick but strong impression during his stint in Philadelphia, has been hired as the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator. That’s a big leap and a big responsibility, especially in a division that’s always tightly contested.
- Dennard Wilson, another former Eagles defensive coordinator, is sticking in the division as well. He’s joining John Harbaugh’s staff with the Giants, taking over as defensive coordinator in New York. That’s a smart hire for a team trying to rebuild its defensive identity.
- Jonathan Gannon, who was let go as head coach of the Cardinals, bounced back by landing the defensive coordinator job with the Packers. After interviewing with multiple teams, Gannon gets a fresh start in Green Bay and a chance to re-establish himself on the defensive side of the ball.
- Frank Reich interviewed for the Jets’ offensive coordinator job, though there’s been no connection yet to a potential return to Philadelphia. For now, he remains a free agent in the coaching world.
- Sean McDermott, after nine seasons as the Bills’ head coach, is stepping away from the sidelines - at least for now. He met with the Buccaneers but is expected to take a year off before reassessing his next move.
Gardner Minshew Injury Update
When Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL, the Chiefs turned to Gardner Minshew - and for a moment, it looked like the former Eagles quarterback might get a shot to lead Kansas City into the postseason. But his opportunity was cut short in Week 17 when he suffered a knee injury of his own.
Initial fears pointed to a possible ACL tear, but the final diagnosis was far less severe: a bone bruise that didn’t require surgery. That’s big news for Minshew, who’s already back to full strength and eyeing a new opportunity in free agency. While his stint in Kansas City was brief, he’ll be one of the more intriguing names on the quarterback market this offseason.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles may be out of the Super Bowl picture this year, but their influence is still being felt in a big way - from players chasing titles to coaches reshaping franchises across the league. As the 2025 season officially comes to a close, the next chapter for many of these Philly alumni is just getting started. And if history’s any indication, don’t be surprised if a few of them find their way back to the spotlight soon.
