Philadelphia Eagles
Sean Desai
Defensive Coordinator
Biography
Sean Desai was named the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 offseason after spending the previous campaign as the associate head coach-defense of the Seattle Seahawks.
In 2022, Desai aided a defensive staff that helped Seattle earn a spot in the NFC playoff picture. Overall, the Seahawks ranked fourth in the NFL in forced fumbles (15, tied), seventh in sacks (45, tied), eighth in takeaways (25, tied) and 10th in opponent completion percentage (62.7%).
Desai also assisted two players to Pro Bowl recognition in his season with Seattle – rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen and safety Quandre Diggs. Woolen tied for the league lead with six interceptions, marking the most by an NFL rookie since 2015. Diggs started all 17 games for the Seahawks and finished with the second-most interceptions (four) of his career.
Prior to his time in Seattle, Desai enjoyed a nine-year stint (2013-21) serving in various roles with the Chicago Bears, including as the defensive coordinator during the 2021 season. In doing so, he became the first person of Indian descent to become a coordinator in the NFL.
As the head of the Bears' defense, Desai oversaw a group that led the league in sacks per pass attempt (10.3 pct.) while totaling the fourth-most sacks (48) overall. The unit featured second-team Associated Press All-Pro and Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Quinn, who led the conference with a career-high and franchise-record 18.5 sacks. Chicago also finished third in passing defense (191.6 ypg) and sixth in total defense (316.7 ypg).
Before holding the title of defensive coordinator, Desai worked as the Bears' safeties coach from 2019-20. In 2019, he mentored Eddie Jackson to Pro Bowl accolades after posting 60 tackles, five passes defensed, two interceptions and a 57.6 opponent passer rating. That season, Chicago finished ninth in the league in passing yards allowed per game (222.1).