In an exciting turn of events, the Philadelphia Eagles added a new member to their coaching staff on Monday. After being placed on the Reserve/Retired list at the beginning of Eagles’ training camp, Matt Leo has been appointed as a defensive and football operations assistant. This announcement came on Monday, heralding a fresh start for both Leo and the Eagles’ coaching staff.
What Will Leo’s Role Be With The Eagles Defense?
Leo’s journey with the Eagles began when he joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in 2000 and spent three seasons on the practice squad, setting the stage for his future with the organization.
A standout in both academics and athletics, Leo achieved the distinction of being named a first-team Academic All-Big 12 in 2019. Leo has been helping the team prepare as a valuable member of the practice squad but will continue to do so in his new role as a defensive assistant.
In his new role, Leo’s responsibilities will extend to assisting defensive coordinator Sean Desai with gameday preparations and other essential coaching duties. This expanded role highlights the organization’s belief in Leo to contribute to the team’s success.
Matt Leo’s Unconventional Path To Joining The Eagles’ Coaching Staff
Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Leo’s background gives him a unique and diverse skillset.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-7, 280 pounds, Leo originally pursued rugby and Australian Rules Football during his formative years. Following his high school years, he transitioned into the trades, particularly plumbing, where he gained hands-on experience as an apprentice on construction sites.
However, Leo’s desire for change led him to explore a pathway to the NFL.
Leo’s transition to American football was marked by determination and a remarkable leap of faith. He secured a walk-on spot at Arizona Western Community College through the use of workout tapes, which eventually propelled him forward, earning him a scholarship at Iowa State.
At Iowa State, Leo made his mark on the defensive line. Across 29 career games with the Cyclones, he tallied an impressive 33 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.
In Philadelphia, Leo was invited to training camp from 2021-2023 but was subsequently cut on each occasion. Instead of quitting, he joined the practice squad and caught the attention of coaches for his ability to help the Eagles prepare for their weekly opponents.
What Can The Eagles Expect From Matt Leo?
The Eagles’ decision to bring Matt Leo on board as a defensive and football operations assistant is a sign that the franchise promotes from within and rewards hard work.
As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, the Eagles can undoubtedly look forward to the unique perspectives and valuable insights that Leo will bring to their coaching staff and the defense as a whole.
