Chip’s Search: Tracking the Candidates

On Jan. 2, Jeffrey Lurie announced that the Eagles would begin a search for a new personnel executive to be appointed by Chip Kelly.

Since then, several names have been linked to the opening. Below is a rundown, which we’ll keep updated until the Eagles make a hire.

ED MARYNOWITZ, Eagles asst. director of player personnel
Source: PFT

The 30-year-old has spent three years with the Eagles and was previously Alabama’s director of player personnel, working closely with Nick Saban. Marynowitz also spent one year scouting for the Miami Dolphins, working under Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland.

Per a CSN Philly report, Marynowitz and Howie Roseman have butted heads and had a frosty relationship.

Marynowitz is the only internal candidate on this list. Considered an up-and-comer, would he have the clout to challenge Kelly?

SHELDON WHITE, Lions VP of player personnel
Source: NFL Network

White, 49, started out with the Lions as a scout in 1997 and has been with the organization for 18 seasons. White has served in his current role for the past six years.

He handles a variety of duties in Detroit, running the team’s free agent meetings, assisting in the draft process and negotiating contracts.

White played six years in the NFL as a player. He is one of two minority candidates on this list.

CHRIS BALLARD, Chiefs director of player personnel
Source: ESPN

An initial report suggested the Eagles had asked permission to interview him, but NFL Network said later that Ballard was not expected to meet with the Birds.

Ballard was once considered the frontrunner to land the Bears’ job, but that didn’t happen as Chicago went in another direction.

ELIOT WOLF, Packers director of player personnel
Source: CBS Sports

Peter King of The MMQB called him “the brightest prospect among the young front office guys.” But it seems unlikely that the 32-year-old would jump ship for a job in which he doesn’t have final say on personnel.

The son of Ron Wolf, Eliot just received a promotion on Jan. 2. There have been reports indicating that Wolf is in line to eventually replace Ted Thompson as Green Bay’s GM.

CHRIS GRIER, Dolphins director of college scouting
Source: Adam Schefter

Per the Sun Sentinel, Grier has spent 15 years with the Dolphins, including eight in his current role. He previously worked with the New England Patriots.

Grier worked his way up the scouting ranks and is the son of longtime exec Bobby Grier, who currently works in the Houston Texans front office.

Grier is reportedly in the mix for the New York Jets’ GM job. He is one of two minority candidates on this list.

CHRIS POLIAN, Jaguars director of player personnel
Source: Adam Schefter

He served three years as the Colts vice president and GM before being fired. The son of Bill Polian, Chris started his career with Indianapolis in 1998 and served a variety of roles. He spent one season (2012) as an executive scout for the Atlanta Falcons.

Per Geoff Mosher, this interview has taken place.

BRIAN GAINE, Texans director of player personnel
Source: Adam Schefter

Gaine has 16 years of experience. Prior to being hired by the Texans last offseason, he was with the Dolphins for six years, including two as assistant GM. Gaine has also spent time with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys.

Gaine, 41, recently interviewed for the Chicago Bears’ GM opening.

Per Albert Breer, the Texans have granted Gaine permission to speak with the Eagles.

SCOTT FITTERER, Seahawks director of college scouting
Source: Adam Schefter

Fitterer has been with Seattle since 2001 and has occupied his current role since 2010. In the past four drafts, the Seahawks have built the core of their current squad: Russell Wilson, Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner.

The 41-year-old was a scout with the Giants for three years from 1998 to 2000.