Mike Caldwell, who underwent two rounds of interviews with the Eagles in the past month, has opted to join the Raiders organization. With a background spanning nine years with the Eagles, serving as both a linebacker and assistant coach, Caldwell will now transition to the role of defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach under the guidance of new Raiders head coach, Antonio Pierce, as reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Despite the Eagles’ consideration of Caldwell for multiple coaching positions, including defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, they have yet to fill the latter role. Additionally, the Eagles also explored options such as veteran NFL coach Joe Barry for the linebackers coach position, but Barry ultimately accepted a position with the Dolphins, leaving the Eagles without a linebackers coach for the time being.
This staffing gap contrasts with the Raiders’ proactive approach under Pierce’s leadership, evident in their recruitment of Caldwell to fortify their coaching staff. The Eagles, under Vic Fangio’s leadership, have initiated significant changes within their coaching staff, including the hiring of defensive line coach Clint Hurtt from Seattle and secondary coaches Joe Kaspar from Miami and Christian Parker from the Broncos. Notably, the Eagles’ linebacker coaching position was previously held by D.J. Eliot, who transitioned from coaching at Temple in 2022. Caldwell’s and Pierce’s paths have not crossed professionally, although they share a history as NFC East linebackers—Caldwell with the Eagles and Pierce with the Giants.
Caldwell’s extensive NFL experience, spanning 11 years as a player and subsequent coaching roles, underscores his credibility within the league. His tenure with the Eagles, particularly under Andy Reid and Doug Pederson, has equipped him with valuable insights and expertise. Notably, Caldwell served as the Eagles’ linebackers coach from 2011 to 2012 and concluded his recent coaching stint as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars under Pederson’s tenure. Pierce, who assumed the interim head coach position for the Raiders in the 2023 season following Josh McDaniels’ departure, has since solidified his role as the Raiders’ head coach—a decision announced last month, signifying stability amidst coaching transitions within the organization.