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Jim Washburn, who oversaw the Eagles defensive line since 2011 was relieved of his duties by the team Monday. 

As the Eagles historic slide reached eight consecutive losses on Sunday night, the Eagles purge continued Monday morning.

On the heels of a 38-33 loss to the Cowboys, the Eagles relieved defensive line coach Jim Washburn of his duties and replaced him with former defensive line coach Tommy Brasher, thus ending Philadelphia’s use of the wide nine technique up front.

“Jim is a fine football coach and we appreciate the efforts he gave to this team over the past two years,” said head coach Andy Reid in a statement released by the team. “However, I determined that it was in the team’s best interest that we move in a different direction in terms of trying to maximize the production of that position group. We look forward to having Tommy Brasher back on board to work with the defensive line.”

With Washburn on the Eagles staff, Philadelphia posted a 11-17 record, and after Jason Babin’s release last week it seemed Washburn’s days in Philadelphia were numbered as well.

Reid, of course, hired Washburn in January 2011, prior to elevating Juan Castillo to defensive coordinator and based the entire defense around the wide nine scheme.

The Eagles will replace Washburn with Tommy Brasher who coached the Eagles defensive line in 1985 and again from 1999-2005 under Reid and former defensive coordinator, the late Jim Johnson.

Many defensive players have hinted that Washburn had become difficult to deal with, especially in recent days following Babin’s release last Tuesday.

The tumult along the defensive line reached a fever pitch when reports surfaced that Trent Cole walked out of a defensive line meeting in the days leading up to Babin’s release.

Washburn’s defensive line plummeted this season after posting 50 sacks in 2011, have just 20 through the first 12 games this season.

Following the Eagles loss to the Carolina Panthers, Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles said that changes would be on the way for the defense and Washburn is simply the next domino to fall, it appears.

Offensive line coach Howard Mudd, the other assistant hired by Reid prior to the 2011 season announced his retirement from the NFL last week.

Matt Lombardo is the Lead Writer and Eagles Beat Reporter for Taking It To The House. To Contact or interview Matt, email him at mdlombardo@yahoo.com . Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardo975