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Tra Thomas is taking the first step into a career in coaching.

(Martin Griff/The Times of Trenton)

Andy Reid may be gone. Same with many of his players as the Eagles overhauled their roster this offseason. Not all connections to Reid's time with the team have been erased though.

New coach Chip Kelly retained Duce Staley, who played and coached under Reid, as an assistant coach. Staley is currently the Eagles' running backs coach. Kelly also hired former left tackle Tra Thomas as a minority coaching intern. Staley started his coaching career in a similar internship role.

Thomas spent 11 seasons as the Eagles left tackle, starting a remarkable 165 of 176 games. Even though he was a leftover from the Ray Rhodes era, he spent 10 seasons under Reid and made three Pro Bowls.

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The New Jersey resident has remained close with the organization in his post-playing career. He officially retired last summer.

Thomas has been working as an owner/coach at his 7 Deuces Sports in Medford. 7 Deuces helps athletes of all levels train for competition.

The Eagles weren't Thomas' only option. He was asked by former Eagles wide receiver Irving Fryar to join his staff at Robbinsville High School. Thomas declined, instead electing to join Kelly's staff as an intern. As of last week, he was unclear of his role.