"Well, if the Eagles were waiting to talk to Chicago linebackers coach Bob Babich about their defensive coordinator job, Babich's schedule just opened up, after the Bears' offense let the team down in a 21-14 NFC Championship Game loss to the visiting Green Bay Packers.

If the Birds want to talk to Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac, or Green Bay linebackers coach Winston Moss, they'll have to wait a couple of weeks, until either the Pack or the Pittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl XLV. Ditto anyone on the Steelers' staff. (And despite an expiring contract, it seems really, really unlikely that 73-year-old Dick LeBeau is going to leave the Steelers to make a lateral move to the Eagles, who sources have said are not looking to install a 3-4 defense.)

No one with the Eagles has confirmed anything about any of these guys being candidates, but a source had said the team was waiting to talk to at least one candidate still involved in the playoffs, as the conference title games neared. Of course, the Jets' coaches also just became available, although Mike Pettine, formerly the head coach at North Penn High, has said he will not leave Rex Ryan's staff.

The Birds entertained Saints secondary coach Dennis Allen yesterday; Allen, 38, is the first official interviewee, who came to the Eagles just after talking to the Broncos about their coordinator position. Allen left town without being hired, apparently.

Asked why the job was appealing, Allen told Channel 6, "because it's a great organization, a great city and it's a team that wants to win."

Asked about the Birds' secondary issues - they allowed a franchise-record 31 touchdown passes this season - Allen said: "I don't know about that. I'm just looking to be with a great organization, and if I get the opportunity, it would be a great opportunity.""