The Philadelphia Eagles are tapping into Green Bay’s quarterback pipeline once again-this time handing the keys to the offense to 33-year-old Sean Mannion. The former NFL quarterback is stepping into the role of offensive coordinator, marking his first opportunity to run an offense at the professional level.
If this move feels familiar, that’s because it echoes a pivotal moment in Eagles history. The last time Philly reached into the Packers’ quarterback room, they came away with Andy Reid.
That was 27 years ago. Reid, of course, went on to become the winningest coach in Eagles history before building a dynasty in Kansas City.
Now, the Eagles are hoping lightning might strike twice.
Mannion arrives in Philadelphia after two seasons on Matt LaFleur’s staff in Green Bay, where he worked closely with Jordan Love and the Packers’ young offense. While he hasn’t called plays at the NFL level yet, Mannion’s stock has been quietly rising. Inside the Packers’ building, he’s viewed as a sharp offensive mind with the leadership traits that could eventually lead to a head coaching role.
Before he was drawing up plays, Mannion was executing them. A third-round pick out of Oregon State in 2015, he spent nine seasons in the league as a backup quarterback with the Rams, Vikings, and Seahawks. He was known for his football IQ and preparation, traits that often pointed toward a future in coaching even while he was still wearing a helmet.
For the Eagles, this hire signals a commitment to fresh ideas and a modern offensive identity. Mannion’s background as a recent player gives him a unique perspective on today’s game. He’s lived the grind of NFL Sundays, and now he’ll be tasked with designing game plans that put his own quarterbacks in position to thrive.
It’s a bold move, no doubt. Giving the offensive coordinator role to someone with no play-calling experience at this level isn’t a decision made lightly.
But it’s also a swing for upside. Mannion’s trajectory-much like Reid’s decades ago-suggests he’s a coach on the rise.
Now, he’ll get the chance to prove it in one of the NFL’s most passionate football cities.