National Football League

Eagles hire Jauron as assistant coach

Published Feb. 3, 2010 9:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

Dick Jauron is back in the NFL.

The former Bills head coach was hired Wednesday by the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior assistant/defensive backs coach.

``Long before he became a defensive coordinator and head coach in this league, Dick Jauron was considered to be one of, if not the best defensive backs coaches in the game,'' Eagles head coach Andy Reid said. ``We welcome his experience and knowledge of the game and look forward to adding him to our defensive coaching staff.''

Jauron replaces Brian Stewart, who left after one season to become defensive coordinator at the University of Houston. Jauron was fired by the Bills in November after a 3-6 start. He was 24-33 in Buffalo in three-plus seasons.

Jauron was 35-46 as Chicago's coach from 1999 to 2003, and 1-4 as Detroit's interim coach in 2005. Jauron previously worked with Reid in Green Bay on Mike Holmgren's staff in the early 1990s.

``I was flattered when Andy called and I just couldn't resist taking it,'' Jauron said. ``The job is a position I love, working in the secondary.''

The 59-year-old Jauron gives Philadelphia a veteran coaching presence on the defensive side. Longtime coordinator Jim Johnson passed away last July and Sean McDermott took his spot.

McDermott had success with a patchwork unit that was ravaged by injuries. But the Eagles struggled defensively in consecutive losses to Dallas to end the season, including a wild-card playoff game.

``Dick Jauron is a person with tremendous integrity and his football background speaks for itself,'' McDermott said. ``I'm excited about his addition to the team and look forward to utilizing his experiences in the way of adding value to our defensive staff.''

Jauron said he met with Reid and McDermott for six to eight hours to discuss football issues.

``I love the defensive scheme,'' he said. ``It's been so successful. I'm excited to work in it and learn more about it.''

Jauron becomes the fourth person to coach the team's defensive backs in less than a year. After McDermott was promoted, Otis Smith temporarily replaced him until Stewart was hired.