Cooper DeJean weighs in on an Eagles' offseason of changes originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
In just two short years in the NFL, Cooper DeJean has already won a Super Bowl and has become a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
But one of the guys who helped him achieve all that is gone.
Earlier this offseason, Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker left the organization to take the defensive coordinator job in Dallas. DeJean on Thursday spoke to NBC Sports Philadelphia, via his partnership with the wellness brand RENPHO, about some of the changes this offseason.
“He meant a lot to me. Me and Q (Quinyon Mitchell), especially,” DeJean said. “The time he poured into us in the film room, on the field, wherever it may be. He poured a lot of his time into us, making sure that we were ready each and every week. Whether we were up in his office watching film with him on who we were playing or out on the field working on technique and things like that.
“Just a great football mind and a guy who I believe will have a lot of success in his future in the league. Obviously, hopefully, besides two times a year. But I’m excited for him. He deserves it. I know it’s something he’s been working for, to be able to call plays and set up his whole staff and his own defense. I’m sure he’s excited for.”
Parker, 34, takes over in Dallas but the Eagles didn’t have to look far to find his replacement. For the past two seasons, Joe Kasper has been the Eagles’ safeties coach and was an obvious choice for a promotion.
In 2026, Kasper will take over for Parker as defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator.
“Just another guy who’s got a great football mind,” DeJean said about Kasper. “Brings intensity to the practice field, to the film room each and every week. Takes a lot of pride in what he does in his job. I have no doubt that he’s going to be successful coaching us and taking over the reins as the defensive backs coach.
“I’ve been talking to him quite a bit. He’s really excited about it and I’m excited for him for this opportunity that he’s got to coach us. Just a guy who’s open to anything and open to hearing from his players and taking suggestions from his players, which I think is really cool. Young guy still too. We got a great relationship with him and our whole room does really.”
Kasper was with the Eagles from 2021-22 as a defensive quality control coach before going with Vic Fangio to Miami for the 2023 season as their safeties coach. When Fangio returned to the Eagles as DC in 2024, he brought Kasper with him.
That’s the other bit of good news this offseason: Fangio is returning for his third season as Eagles’ defensive coordinator after flirting with the idea of retirement.
“I wasn’t really nervous that he was going to hang it up, to be honest,” DeJean said. “I didn’t even know it was an option until I started hearing it a couple weeks ago that he might retire. I think he’s still got more in the tank for sure with us. I know he’s excited about getting back out there.”
DeJean, 23, will enter his third NFL season in 2026 and he has already seen the business side of the NFL. Several of his defensive back teammates from the Super Bowl season on 2024 did not return in 2025.
But this offseason could be even tougher if the Eagles don’t bring back pending free agent safety Reed Blankenship. DeJean and Blankenship have grown very close over the last couple years both on and off the field.
“It’s going to be a little different if he’s not back,” DeJean said. “Obviously just a guy I’ve spent a lot of time with. We’ve got a great connection on and off the field. But he’s gotta do what’s best for him and his family and his people around him. I know he’ll do that. I obviously hope it’s back in Philly. I’m sure everybody would love to have him back. But he’s played well over the past however many years he’s been in the league and he deserves to get paid. I hope it’s in Philly, for sure.”