Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has been hired as the new defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, league sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton told The Associated Press he could not confirm McDermott's hiring.

In addition, new Panthers coach Ron Rivera has hired San Diego Chargers tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski, 42, as Carolina's offensive coordinator, the Charlotte Observer reported.

The 36-year-old McDermott, who was fired by the Eagles after the season, came under heavy criticism in a season in which the Eagles allowed a franchise-high 31 touchdown passes and had the worst red-zone defense in the NFL.

McDermott replaced the legendary Jim Johnson, who died of cancer in 2009. He adapted Johnson's aggressive style of defense but injuries to key veterans forced McDermott to adjust his scheme in 2010. The Eagles allowed at least 24 points in 11 games this season.

McDermott's duties are unclear, as Rivera said he would run the defense. Under McDermott, Philadelphia allowed 377 points this season, the most since 1974.

Carolina also announced Monday that Brian Murphy, who coached special teams for the Minnesota Vikings, will coach special teams for the Panthers next season.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.