Jeffrey Lurie: I would expect Duce Staley to be a candidate

The Eagles sacked Doug Pederson on Monday. Could Pederson’s replacement already be on their staff?

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has referred to assistant head coach and running backs coach Duce Staley as a potential candidate.

“I would expect Duce Staley to be a candidate,” Lurie said. “He’s a great representative of the Eagles, knows our values. I would expect it to be part of the research as well.

Staley, 45, played for the Eagles from 1997 to 2003 and joined the team’s coaching staff in 2011. He has served on the staff of Andy Reid, Chip Kelly and Pederson.

The Eagles interviewed Staley for the head coach job in 2016 before hiring Pederson. Staley was also a candidate for the offensive coordinator position ahead of the 2018 season when the Eagles hired Mike Groh.

The Rooney rule requires the Eagles to interview at least two minority candidates for the job before making a hire. Philadelphia has had a black coach in its history, having hired Ray Rhodes in 1995.

“I think we’re very open, and making sure we have some of the best minority candidates in the search is paramount,” Lurie said. “It’s very important for us and the league. It is a priority. “