According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the contract of Philadelphia Eagles‘ QB coach John DeFilippo does not expire until ten days after the Eagles’ season.
That means the Vikings will have to wait until Valentine’s Day (February 14th) to interview DeFilippo for their vacant Offensive Coordinator position. Schefter says the team appears willing to wait.
Unlike Matt Patricia, who was hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions yesterday, a move from QB coach to offensive coordinator is considered a “lateral move,” meaning the Eagles are able block interview requests until the contract has expired. Any non-head coaching position is considered an assistant role. Teams cannot block a move “up” to head coach.
Vikings would like to talk with Eagles’ QB coach John DeFilippo about their OC job but cannot do so until 10 days until after Philadelphia’s season ends, which would be Feb. 14, per league source. Right now, Vikings appear willing to wait.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2018
With the offseason already under way, there’s no doubt Vikings would like to name an OC sooner rather than later. The first day to designate franchise and transition players is February 20th. General manager Rick Spielman said the new hire will have significant input on which direction the team goes at quarterback.
It remains to be seen what kind of interest DeFilippo has in the Vikings OC position.
The Vikings have already interviewed Darrell Bevell, Sean Ryan, Dan Campbell and Kevin Stefanski for the role.
UPDATE:
Darren Wolfson of KSTP reported the Vikings may be able to interview DeFilippo without waiting ten days. The team is in the process of getting permission from the Eagles.
Vikings believe they won't have to wait the 10-days. Still in process of getting permission from Eagles (they've been a bit busy!).
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) February 6, 2018
VT will keep you posted with the latest.