If Jim Bob Cooter ends up leaving Indianapolis, it wouldn’t be a shock-and honestly, it might be the smart move. While the Colts are hoping that sticking with general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will finally lead to a breakthrough in 2026, there’s no guarantee it clicks.
And Cooter? He may have a chance to jump ship to a franchise that’s been operating at a higher level in recent years.
Over the weekend, Cooter reportedly interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles, who are in the market for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo. Patullo’s tenure in Philly ended after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw a once-potent offense fall flat. The Eagles are clearly ready to reset, and Cooter is on their radar.
Now, here’s where things get interesting: Cooter’s interview isn’t just about him-it also says a lot about how the league views Shane Steichen. Despite the Colts’ struggles, Steichen’s offensive reputation still carries weight.
His record as head coach-just 7-22 against teams with winning records over his first three seasons-has raised questions about his long-term future in Indy. But around the NFL, his offensive acumen is still respected.
That’s part of the reason Cooter is getting attention; he’s been working under a coach known for his scheme and quarterback development.
Let’s not forget, Cooter isn’t calling plays in Indianapolis. That responsibility belongs to Steichen.
So while Cooter holds the OC title, he’s not steering the offense the way most coordinators do. If he were to land the Eagles job, he’d likely gain full control of the offensive playbook and game-day calls-something he doesn’t currently have.
That’s not just a lateral move in title; it’s a step up in influence and responsibility.
The Eagles’ interest also reflects their continued respect for Steichen. He was their offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022, a period that helped launch their recent run of success.
That Philly is now looking at one of his assistants to fill a key role shows that Steichen’s coaching tree is starting to sprout some branches. It’s a quiet endorsement of his system, even as his head coaching record remains under scrutiny.
It’s worth noting that the Colts are allowing Cooter to explore this opportunity-even though it’s technically the same role he holds now. That suggests the Eagles might be willing to sweeten the deal with a title bump, perhaps naming him associate head coach in addition to offensive coordinator. That would give Cooter a clearer path to a future head coaching opportunity, while also giving the Eagles a more experienced voice in their offensive room.
Meanwhile, Steichen stays in Indy, still trying to mold a young, inconsistent offense into something more dangerous. If Cooter moves on, it could open the door for Steichen to bring in someone new-or even take on more responsibility himself.
Either way, this potential move is a reminder of how quickly things shift in the NFL. In a league where perception matters almost as much as results, Cooter’s rising stock is a nod to the offensive culture Indy is trying to build-even if the win-loss column hasn’t caught up yet.