The Denver Broncos are losing one of, if not their most coveted assistant.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Monday that Broncos secondary coach Christian Parker is expected to join the Philadelphia Eagles’ staff, reuniting with new defensive coordinator (and former Denver head coach) Vic Fangio.
It’s unclear as of publication time what title Parker will hold under Fangio in Philly.
Source says Broncos DBs coach Christian Parker is expected to leave Denver to take a position on the Eagles’ defensive coaching staff.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 5, 2024
Among the league’s fastest risers, Parker, 32, was hired by the Broncos in 2021 after spending two seasons in Green Bay as a quality control coach and has since been credited with helping to develop Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II and All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, as well as fellow defensive backs Ja’Quan McMillian, PJ Locke, and Caden Sterns.
“He’s sharp, man. He’s sharp. He’s a star. He is a great partner to work with,” Broncos DC Vance Joseph said of Parker last June. “As a veteran coach, I’ve coordinated for about seven years now. My tape is out there, so I’m looking for ways to do different things. Speaking with Christian every day and bouncing ideas off him from what he’s done with [Dolphins Defensive Coordinator] Vic [Fangio] and guys in the past has been fun. [We’re] making changes and growing off what they did last year. He’s smart, he works his butt off and his players love playing for him. He’s a star.”
It seemed like a matter of when, not if, Parker would move on to greener pastures; he interviewed for the Patriots and Packers’ coordinator openings last month. Now, literally greener, as he’ll be tasked with rehabbing an Eagles defense that fell off a cliff in 2023, finishing 30th in both points allowed and passing yards allowed per game.