McDermott (98) named Eagle's defensive coordinator
(Williamsburg, Va) - Former William and Mary standout Sean McDermott (98) has been named as the Philadelphia Eagles' Defensive Coordinator. The official announcement is scheduled for Saturday (July 25) during a press conference at the team's NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia.
A fierce competitor, McDermott was a four-year letterwinner for the Tribe who finished his career with 322 tackles in 26 career starts. He graduated from the College in 1998 with a degree in business finance.
After coming to the College as a walk-on prior to the 1993 season, McDermott quickly proved his value and eventually became a three-year starter for the Tribe at the free safety position. One of the squad's strongest leaders, McDermott was elected as a team captain for his senior year (1997). That season saw him earn both All-Atlantic 10 and All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) honors. He also was named to the Atlantic 10's All-Academic squad.After redshirting as a freshman (1993), he saw action in all 11 games the following year, starting one. As a sophomore, McDermott finished third on the team in tackles (86, 52 solo) and second in passes defended with five. As a junior in 1996, McDermott teamed with future NFL All-Pro and current New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper to form the backline of a Tribe defense that led the conference and was ranked second nationally in fewest yards allowed per contest. McDermott started all 13 games for the Tribe squad that fashioned a then-school record 10 wins and a conference title. That year, McDermott was fourth on the team in tackles (114, 64 solo) and also scored his first touchdown (on a blocked punt).
McDermott finished third on the team in tackles with 102 and lead the team with 61 solo tackles in his senior year.
The Tribe compiled a sterling record of 32-13, including a Yankee Conference Championship in 1996, during McDermott's four years as a letterwinner. His first coaching job came in 1998, when he served as a volunteer assistant with the William and Mary defense.
McDermott has been a member of the Eagles Coaching staff since current head coach Andy Reid brought him aboard as a scouting administrator coordinator in 1998. The next year he was named an assistant to the head coach and eventually became a defensive assistant in 2001. He has coached both linebackers and defensive backs in his time with the Eagles.
