Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay says he has no plans to pivot to defense and remains fully committed to coaching special teams long term.
Michael Clay played linebacker at Oregon, worked in defensive coaching roles earlier in his career, and has spent 13 seasons coaching in the NFL, but the Eagles’ special teams coordinator has no interest in pivoting away from the role that helped build his reputation. Asked whether he views special teams as a stepping stone or has considered moving back to defense, Clay made it clear Thursday that he sees long-term value in remaining where he is.
“People ask me that question all the time,” Clay said. “Do you always want to be a special teams coordinator? Do you want to go for more for that?”
Clay enters his sixth season running Philadelphia’s special teams unit and believes the role offers something few positions on an NFL coaching staff can provide.
“The beauty of special teams coaches, you’re the closest thing to being a head coach because you get to talk to everybody,” Clay said. “Vic probably doesn’t get to talk to the offense. Sean probably won’t be able to talk to the defense. In special teams, you get to talk to everybody.”
That perspective reflects Clay’s coaching path. Before returning to Philadelphia in 2021 as special teams coordinator, he spent five seasons with San Francisco in multiple roles, including assistant special teams coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach. He also worked in Philadelphia as a defensive quality-control coach in 2014 before moving into an assistant special-teams role.
Clay’s units have produced results.
The Eagles blocked an NFL-high four kicks in 2025, including game-changing plays from Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter that helped swing outcomes during the regular season. Punter Braden Mann tied for the league lead with 14 punts of at least 60 yards while posting the highest gross punting average in franchise history at 49.9 yards per punt.
Philadelphia’s special teams group also played a major role during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship season in 2024. Jake Elliott set franchise postseason records for kicking points, field goals, and total kicks during the playoff run, while Britain Covey developed into one of the league’s top return specialists under Clay’s direction. Covey led the NFL in punt return yards during the 2023 season and earned Pro Bowl alternate recognition after emerging as one of the NFL’s most dangerous returners.
Clay’s coaching foundation extends beyond Philadelphia. During San Francisco’s run to Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season, the 49ers ranked near the top of the league in field position metrics while kicker Robbie Gould continued one of the most efficient stretches of his career. Clay played four seasons at Oregon from 2009-12 and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior after recording 101 tackles and three sacks. The San Jose native later signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent before transitioning into coaching.
For now, Clay is comfortable where he is.
“If I could do this for another quarter century, then hit the deuces like Brad Seely did in Houston, then I’ll be very happy with my life and how it turned out,” Clay said.
After more than a decade coaching in the NFL, Clay does not appear interested in chasing another title. He already believes he has found the right one.
