A scouting “god.” The next Ozzie Newsome. The architect behind Alabama’s championship runs from 2008 – 2011.
If I told you a month ago that these would be the words used to describe the new executive hired by the Eagles, most fans will be thrilled. For good reason.
But the Eagles have been widely criticized by fans for their announcement that they promoted Ed Marynowitz to the newly created position of vice president of player personnel.
"A yes man." "No one else wanted the job." "Why didn't they just hire the water boy?" Those were just some of the criticisms I saw on social media from fans today.
With all due respect, most fans are being distracted by the process, instead of the outcome.
Yes, the Eagles stumbled their way to this point. They reportedly missed out on Brian Gaine from the Houston Texans, who was given a promotion after the Eagles expressed serious interest.
They were also reportedly turned down by executives from the Seahawks, Packers, Ravens and Chiefs.
But do not get fooled. Ed Marynowitz is a stud. He is widely respected for his scouting acumen and has the potential to be the next great young executive in the NFL. Even better, he has been in the Eagles organization since 2012, so he is well aware of the type of players Chip Kelly wants to draft.
Anyone concerned about Marynowitz becoming Chip Kelly’s “yes man” can take solace in the fact that Marynowitz had apparently “crossed [Howie] Roseman one too many times” while Roseman was General Manager. Yes men do not do that to their bosses. By definition, they just say yes.
And to anyone that was understandably concerned by how long it took to fill this position, remember that it took the Eagles just as long to hire Chip Kelly. That has not worked out too bad for us, has it?
So to recap: the Eagles got one of the best young scouting executives in the league who understands the type of player Chip Kelly wants and is apparently is not a "yes man". In other words, this signing is a good thing.
So in the infamous words of Aaron Rodgers, R-E-L-A-X, Eagles fans.
Here are some reactions around social media to the signing, which has largely been positive:
Eagles promote Ed Marynowitz to senior personnel exec. Heard good things since he came from Alabama, seen as rising star around league.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) January 29, 2015
New Eagles Personnel Exec Ed Marynowitz is a stud. Dealt with him for @gobigrecruiting when he was at Bama. Immediately impressed.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 29, 2015
I've only spoken with Marynowitz a couple times, but my impression has always been that he is a sharp dude.
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) January 29, 2015
No brainer hire from day 1 @ProFootballTalk: Eagles are expected to promote Ed Marynowitz as Chip Kelly's personnel executive
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) January 29, 2015
Ed Marynowitz was Sabans right hand man helping him build his 1st two title teams, a 30 year old rising star in the league. Great hire
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) January 29, 2015
Marynowitz seemed like logical choice for Chip. Great relationship w/him. Respected in league circles. Experience still hurdle though.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) January 29, 2015
Remember, Ed's worked in the building, knows the dynamic between Howie and Chip. Automatically gave him an advantage when others shied away.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) January 29, 2015
Nick Saban, who worked w/Ed (from release): "Thing I was most impressed w/was how much he wanted to learn in the area of player evaluation..
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) January 29, 2015
Saban: "..and his knowledge in that area really expanded during his time at Alabama."
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) January 29, 2015
