Eagletarian

Birds Add Lovie to List, Deny Gruden Report

By Les Bowen

Updating the Eagles' head coaching search, the Eagles announced Tuesday they will talk Thursday with former Bears head coach Lovie Smith. They also denied a report that they have a Wednesday interview set up with Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

That last part is a little odd, in that the Eagles asked for and received permission to talk to Gruden. Maybe they're doing it today? Or they've pushed it down the line, since Gruden's team is out of the playoffs, and he is hardly Chip Kelly, in the NFL hiring hierarchy?

Gruden didn't seem to be exactly anticipating getting a head-coaching job when he spoke with Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer Tuesday.

Asked about turning down interviews last year, but accepting them this time, Gruden said: "I figured I'd better say 'yes,' or they'll quit asking me. I think it will be a great experience and it's exciting. I have every intention of coming back here. We've got a great group of guys here. We''re excited for the future here; win 19 games in two years with a young group, with a rookie quarterback two years ago, rookie receiver ... the future is very, very bright here."

No word still on when the interview with Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is going to happen. Has to be this week, before the Seahawks visit the Falcons on Sunday.