Eagles D Under New Wing

The Eagles caused a stir Wednesday when they went on the offensive with their long-awaited defensive coordinator hire.

Former offensive line coach Juan Castillo is the Eagles new defensive coordinator.

With Castillo moving across the line of scrimmage, Howard Mudd takes over as the offensive line coach.

Castillo, a former Texas A&I Linebacker, has spent the last 13 seasons as the Eagle's offensive line coach but originally began his career as a defensive coach.

He served as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Kingsville High School and Texas A&M-Kingsville before making the switch to offense in 1990.

Castillo, 51, made his Eagles debut in 1995 as an offensive assistant to Ray Rhodes before making his way up to offensive line coach. When Andy Reid became head coach in 1999, Castillo was only one of four to keep his coaching position.

Since then, Castillo has been recognized for coaching four lineman to their first Pro Bowl selection and shaping numerous undrafted players into NFL starters.

As one of only a few coaches in the NFL of Hispanic Descent, Castillo has also done work off the field for the NFL by helping promote football to its Spanish-speaking audience.

Castillo's move was well-received by other NFL coaches.

“Great move by Coach Reid,"  said St. Louis Rams head coach (and foremer Eagles assistant) Steve Spagnuolo. "Juan is a football junkie who has always studied the entire game. He’s a detailed, aggressive, and passionate football coach - all attributes vital to coaching defense. I wish him all the best.”

The same couldn't be said for all Eagles fans as many turned to Twitter and Facebook to express disbelief of coach Andy Reid's choice to lead the defense.

Castillo's old position of offensive line coach will be filled by the experienced Howard Mudd.

The former NFL player has a total of 36 years of coaching under his belt.

Mudd's most recent job lasted from 1998 to 2009 as the Indianpolis Colts offensive line coach -- basically being in charge of the guys who made sure Peyton Manning stayed upright.

The former NFL player has a total of 36 years of coaching under his belt.

He graduated from Hillsdale College in Michigan and went on to play for San Francisco from 1964 to 1969 and Chicago from 1969 to 1971.

Mudd, 68, started in three Pro Bowls and has a combined seven Pro Bowl appearances as the coach for Tarik Glenn and Jeff Saturday.