As the Eagles head coaching search continues, Ravens QB coach James Urban could draw some interest after yesterday’s 17-3 divisional playoff loss to the Bills. Urban spent seven years in Philadelphia, serving the last couple as the QB coach to Donavan McNabb and Michael Vick. He then spent the following seven years in Cincinnati as their wide receivers coach, where AJ Green made the Pro Bowl each season.

The Eagles interviewed Urban last January for their vacant OC position, but the 3rd-year QB coach declined to move forward so that he could stay in Baltimore. Urban has had a vital role in developing Lamar Jackson over the last three years and could be instrumental in repairing Carson Wentz.

Urban joined the Ravens in 2018, helping lead Lamar Jackson to a 6-1 record as a rookie and an eventual MVP campaign the following season. Urban would give Jackson a pop quiz every Friday night during his rookie season in regards to schemes and playcalls. These weekly tests would then help the Ravens to design an offense centered around his talents:

“It was just me and him on Fridays,” Urban said. “It was productive, and it allowed us to grow closer.”

Aaron Kasinitz, PennLive.com

Urban has an exceptional track record of developing talent, having been apart of three high-powered offenses with Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and now Baltimore. Michael Vick, in particular, won Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 under Urban:

Vick during his 2010 season:

• 63% completion
• 3,018 yards
• 21 TDs
• 6 INTs
• 100.2 rating
• Four 4th-quarter comebacks
• 676 rushing yards
• 9 rushing TDs

Even more enticing than his QB development is his prior work with wide receivers. DeSean Jackson spent his first 3 seasons working with Urban, catching over 170 passes for 3,000+ yards and 17 TDs during that span. As mentioned above, AJ Green as well as Marvin Jones Jr. and Mohamed Sanu were incredibly productive under Urban with the Bengals.

Bringing in the 17-year NFL coaching veteran could be the first step towards an offensive resurgence in Philadelphia.

Mandatory Credit: Joe Hermitt | Penn Live