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Replacing a successful predecessor is not an easy task. Juan Castillo’s calling now is to replace former Washington TE coach Pete Hoener who retired last week at the age of 70.
Castillo met with the media via Zoom and as always, there were some interesting tidbits that were revealed.
Castillo began in the NFL with the Eagles in 1995 as a quality control coach. He studied under offensive coordinator Jon Gruden.
Next Castillo was promoted to TE Coach w/Eagles in 1997
Castillo moved back to offensive line w/Eagles from 1998-2010.
Castillo was with current Washington tight end Logan Thomas in Buffalo (2017-18) coaching the offensive line and as running game coordinator. He noticed Thomas’ hard work and talent when Thomas was transitioning to TE from QB.
Castillo has coached 27 years in the NFL —only one coaching tight ends.
Brian Mitchell and Castillo were together with the Eagles (2000-02).
Darrell Green and Castillo were college teammates at Texas A&I, now Texas A&M Kingsville.
Ron Rivera and Castillo met in 1999 coaching the Eagles.
Castillo is aware that he’s the only new coach this season and believes he is to earn the respect of his fellow coaches and players by working hard, not by vocally demanding their respect.
Spanish being his first language, he and Sammis Reyes met and conversed via Spanish.
Castillo has watched some tape and noticed TE John Bates really worked at his blocking.
Castillo has a son in Arlington, employed by the Department of Commerce, and another son who earned a full scholarship to law school at the University of Maryland.
Andy Reid, Ray Rhodes, John Harbaugh, Sean McDermott, Matt Nagy and now Ron Rivera are NFL head coaches who hired Castillo to their coaching staffs.
Castillo has not coached TE specifically since 1997 with the Eagles.