Jim Johnson has died at the age of 68. Johnson was the defensive coordinator of the Eagles when they appeared in five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. Johnson had taken a leave of absence from the team in May as he continued to battle a cancerous tumor on his spine. The Eagles announced his death on Tuesday afternoon.

Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is believed to be losing his battle with melanoma. Johnson, 68, took another turn for the worse recently, according to sources. There were whispers around Philadelphia on Tuesday that he was fighting to stay alive. Head coach Andy Reid reportedly visited Johnson on Monday night. Johnson officially stepped aside as the team's defensive coordinator last week after more than ten years on the job. Sean McDermott, one of Johnson's protege's, has taken over the position.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was asked by reporters on Monday how he would improve Terrell Owens' new reality show. "By not having it," McNabb joked. "The T.O. Show" is just two weeks old and stars Owens, formerly of the 49ers, Eagles and Cowboys, and currently of the Bills.

Eagles rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin, their first-round pick, remains unsigned and was a no-show at the team's first day of training camp. Philadelphia took Maclin with the 19th pick, and traded up two spots in order to ensure that they would get the former Missouri receiver. Eagles coach Andy Reid says the team is close with Maclin in a "couple of areas," but needs to get closer in others.

Jim Johnson may no longer be in charge of Philadelphia's defense, but the team still plans to blitz often. The Eagles officially named Sean McDermott their new defensive coordinator on Saturday. "What haven't I learned from Jim?" McDermott said. "I don't think it would be fair to Jim, in this setting, to try and limit in one statement, one press conference, the effect that Jim has had on my life." McDermott had spent eight seasons under Johnson as an assistant.

Sean McDermott has replaced Jim Johnson as the defensive coordinator of the Eagles just two days prior to training camp. Johnson, 68, took an indefinite leave of absence from the team in May to continue treatment for a cancerous tumor on his spine. "First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Jim Johnson and his family as they battle through this difficult time in his cancer treatments," Eagles coach Andy Reid said Friday. "I have been in constant communication with Jim and his wife throughout this offseason and they are thankful for all the support they have received from the Eagles organization, the fans and the entire NFL community."

Brian Westbrook isn't expected to handle goal-line duties for the Eagles this season. He had ankle surgery in the offseason, and word out of Philadelphia is that he won't amass 350 touches this season. Rookie LeSean McCoy and new fullback Leonard Weaver could steal carries from Westbrook, especially the latter at the goal-line.

Agent Jim Steiner said Tuesday evening that no contentious issues have arisen in talks with the Eagles over a contract for first-round draft choice Jeremy Maclin. "We've talked, and talks should intensify over the next 72 hours, certainly," Steiner said. Maclin, drafted 19th overall, is due to report to Lehigh for training camp with other Eagles rookies Sunday afternoon.

The Eagles brought free-agent defensive tackle Hollis Thomas in for a visit last week, according to a league source. Thomas was released by the Saints in late April, and played his first 10 NFL seasons with the Eagles. Philadelphia is rumored to be looking for defensive tackle depth after Amon Gordon was waived after suffering a torn Achilles tendon.

Talks between rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles are expected to pick up soon, according to a league source. The source added that the two sides have talked previously and that Maclin will sign before training camp on July 31.