Eagles OC Search Takes Unexpected Turn as Nick Sirianni Option Emerges

Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a play cisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles are still searching for their next offensive coordinator, and the longer the process drags on, the more unpredictable the outcome feels.

After moving on from Kevin Patullo earlier this offseason, Philly has been linked to a wide range of candidates.

Some of the biggest names came and went, while others took jobs elsewhere or withdrew from consideration entirely.  

As Sports Illustrated noted, a new possibility is gaining real traction: head coach Nick Sirianni calling plays himself.

That idea was floated this week by ESPN insider Adam Schefter, who made it clear the Eagles aren’t rushing and that Sirianni remains a fallback option if the “right fit” never materializes.

“They don’t appear to be in any rush,” Schefter said.

“They have Nick Sirianni, who always could call the offense if they can’t find somebody worthy of doing the job. But they’re being diligent in looking for the right match.” 

Schefter also noted that Philadelphia has spent time talking with Jim Bob Cooter and Sean Mannion this week for the open OC position. 


Jim Bob Cooter Update 

If the Eagles are leaning toward experience, Jim Bob Cooter suddenly makes a lot of sense. 

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cooter was brought back for a second-round interview for the vacant OC position. 

While Sean Mannion represents the younger, upside swing, Cooter offers something many Eagles fans have been wanting: 

He offers a steady hand with a proven NFL résumé. 

Cooter has been the Colts’ offensive coordinator since 2023 and has a long track record calling plays in Detroit and Indianapolis. 

He has overseen run-heavy systems that maximize talent up front.

Jonathan Taylor’s continued production and Indianapolis’ offensive line growth show Cooter’s capabilities. 

There’s also familiarity working in Cooter’s favor.

He spent the 2021 season with the Eagles as a consultant during Nick Sirianni’s first year on the job. 

That connection matters, as Sirianni doesn’t bring people into his inner circle lightly, and the fact that Cooter was trusted during that transitional year speaks volumes. 


Why the Sirianni Scenario Feels Counterintuitive

On the surface, Sirianni reclaiming play-calling duties would be a sharp turn from everything he’s publicly preached in recent years. 

“I felt like I needed to make a change in the sense of how to free me up to be a better head coach,” Sirianni said back in 2022.

He doubled down a year later, explaining that delegating the offense helped him manage games, stay connected with players, and maintain broader control from the sideline. 

The “CEO” approach has long been central to Sirianni’s philosophy. 

On the other hand, Sirianni has never fully removed his fingerprints from the offense. 

Through Shane Steichen, Brian Johnson, Kellen Moore, and Patullo, he’s remained deeply involved in game-planning and offensive structure.

If Sirianni ends up calling plays, it’ll be because the Eagles didn’t find an answer at OC they fully trusted.

0 Comments

Eagles OC Search Takes Unexpected Turn as Nick Sirianni Option Emerges

Notify of
0 Comments
Follow this thread
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please commentx
()
x