The Houston Texans made a formal request to interview Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Joe Douglas for their general manager vacancy, which the Eagles denied, according to a report from Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback.
Per sources, the Texans put in for permission to interview Eagles VP of player personnel Joe Douglas, and Philly declined to grant it.
-- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 7, 2018
It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do to placate Douglas after blocking his path to becoming a general manager.
Lurie could opt to change Douglas' title to general manager, or something similar, or give him a raise as compensation for blocking him from interviewing for the Texans' job.
It would seem unlikely that Executive Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman would relinquish final say to Douglas on personnel decisions, but it is conceivable that both personnel executives could see their titles elevated as a result of the decision to block Douglas' interview.
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Since joining the Eagles, Douglas' has been influential in several marquee personnel moves including the team's acquisition of defensive tackle Tim Jernigan in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, drafting defensive end Derek Barnett in the first round of April's NFL Draft, and overseeing along with Roseman a 2017 NFL Draft class that includes Barnett, high-ceiling second-round cornerback Sidney Jones, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and undrafted rookie running back Corey Clement, who have all made meaningful contributions this season.
Had the Eagles lost Douglas this offseason, it would have sent reverberations throughout the NovaCare Complex as he has been instrumental in increasing the talent pool on the roster and shaping the team's scouting department.
Last offseason, the Eagles blocked quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo from interviewing for the Jets' offensive coordinator job, so Douglas is not the first interview request that owner Jeffrey Lurie has blocked.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoPHL.