Former San Diego State Coach Scovil Hired as Eagles’ Assistant

Former Aztec football Coach Doug Scovil was named Monday by new Philadelphia Coach Buddy Ryan as the Eagles’ quarterback coach for the 1986 season.

Scovil, 58, served as head coach for the past five seasons at San Diego State, where he compiled a 24-32-3 record. He was fired two months ago.

Scovil arrived in Philadelphia Monday night and will begin his new job today.

“I’m glad to be here,” said Scovil by phone Monday night. “I’ll miss all of my former players back there (San Diego), but I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Scovil last coached in the National Football League in 1978 when he was the quarterback and receivers coach for the Chicago Bears. Ryan was also an assistant with the Bears in 1978. Ryan was Scovil’s defensive coordinator for one season when the former Aztec coach was the head man at the University of Pacific.

“Everybody seems to think that we’ve (the Eagles) come a long way,” Scovil said. “Last season, our defense was very tough and I’m sure it will be even tougher with Buddy. I just hope the offense can be just as effective.”

Among the Eagles’ quarterbacks is former Nevada Las Vegas star Randall Cunningham. When he was with the Rebels in 1984, Cunningham passed for 182 yards and one touchdown to lead UNLV past Scovil’s Aztecs, 30-14, in San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

“I remember him well,” Scovil said. “He was good in college and Buddy seems to think he can be excellent in the pros. I’m going to start working with him immediately.”

Scovil has earned an excellent reputation for working with quarterbacks. While he was an assistant at Brigham Young University, Scovil tutored the Raiders’ Marc Wilson and the Bears’ Jim McMahon. He also worked with former NFL stars such as John Brodie, Roger Staubach and Bob Lee.

“Doug Scovil has 28 years’ experience in colleges and the pros and is recognized as one of the most innovative offensive coaches in the game,” Ryan told the Associated Press.

Besides Scovil, Ryan named three other assistants Monday.

Former Chicago Bears defensive back Jeff Fisher will coach defensive backs and former Bears center Dan Neal will coach special teams. Eagles offensive line coach Ken Iman will remain at that job, Ryan said.