"The Eagles' interview of Chicago Bears defensive-backs coach Jon Hoke would seem to be yet another indication that we are in the middle of a lengthy process here, as the Birds seek to replace fired defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.

A source close to the situation has said the team plans to interview at least one coach from the Super Bowl staffs, who can't be approached until after Sunday's game. And the NFL Network reported that the Birds were turned down when they asked permission to speak with Miami Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles - a former Temple star - and when they asked to speak to Cincinnati Bengals secondary coach Kevin Coyle.

As we contemplate which coaches from the Super Bowl staffs might be on the agenda, it's hard not to notice that everybody interviewed so far has coached defensive backs. The Eagles hired a respected defensive-line coach, Jim Washburn, 2 weeks ago. It seems clear they are looking to the new coordinator to fix the back end of their unit, which allowed a franchise-record 31 touchdown passes this season.

Hoke, 54, has been with the Bears 2 years and has produced some impressive results. The Bears held opposing quarterbacks to a 74.4 rating this past season, third in the league behind the two Super Bowl teams. Chicago allowed just 14 touchdown passes, less than half the Eagles' total, and second in the league behind the Saints.

Someone who knows Hoke and Washburn said last night that they are very similar - tough, demanding coaches who quickly win players' respect.

Hoke played at Ball State and then briefly in the NFL for the Bears and Kansas City Chiefs before beginning his coaching career. He coached the Houston Texans' d-backs under Dom Capers (now the Green Bay defensive coordinator) and Gary Kubiak.

His brother, Brady Hoke, is the new coach at the University of Michigan. There was some thought that Jon would join his brother there, but he dispelled that, explaining that he wanted to stay in the NFL."