"A coaching search, much like nature, abhors a vacuum.

So, yesterday, a new favorite emerged for the Eagles' defensive coordinator job. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing an NFL source, reported that the Birds plan to ask permission to talk to Packers safeties coach Darren Perry after the Super Bowl concludes a week from tomorrow.

The Eagles, who are seeking to replace the fired Sean McDermott, said they could not comment because of league tampering restrictions. However, asked whether they wanted to say the report was incorrect, Eagles officials offered no response.

Perry, 42, has close ties to both Super Bowl teams. He was drafted in the eighth round by the Steelers in 1992 out of Penn State, and started for them for seven seasons. His final NFL season was with the Saints in 2000."