What a difference a year makes in the NFL. Just 12 months ago, the Philadelphia Eagles were flying high, fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and eyeing another shot at the Kansas City Chiefs. Fast forward to now, and the conversation around this team feels very different.
The Eagles did manage to take down the Chiefs this season-a statement win, no doubt-but the momentum didn’t carry over. Instead, they’re staring at another early playoff exit, their third Wild Card Round loss in five seasons.
And once again, they’re back in the market for a new offensive coordinator. That’s two OC firings in three years, a revolving door that’s starting to raise eyebrows.
This time, the search has brought them to an unexpected name: Sean Mannion, currently the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers.
Now, Mannion’s name isn’t going to light up the fanbase. He’s not a splashy hire, not a household name. But dig a little deeper, and there’s more to this potential move than meets the eye.
Let’s start with the obvious: Mannion has been instrumental in the development of Jordan Love, who made a significant leap this season. Love’s growth-his poise, decision-making, and command of the offense-has turned heads across the league. And while head coach Matt LaFleur deserves credit, Mannion’s work behind the scenes with Love shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Before coaching, Mannion was a record-setting quarterback at Oregon State. His name still sits atop several Pac-12 passing leaderboards. That background matters-especially in today’s NFL, where understanding the quarterback position from the inside out is a major asset for play-callers and offensive architects.
The Eagles have reportedly shown interest, and it appears that interest is mutual. That’s a good sign, especially considering the chatter around whether this OC job is even desirable right now.
Philadelphia’s offense still boasts serious talent-Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert-but the unit lacked rhythm and identity down the stretch.
Whoever steps in will have tools to work with, but also pressure to deliver right away.
Some fans might be underwhelmed by the Mannion buzz. But here’s something worth considering: Packers fans aren’t thrilled about the idea of losing him.
That tells you something. When a fanbase that just watched its young QB blossom under a coach’s guidance doesn’t want to see that coach leave, it’s usually a sign that guy’s doing something right.
And let’s not forget, the Eagles have a history of hiring lesser-known names and turning them into major success stories. Andy Reid was a relatively unknown assistant when Philly gave him the reins.
Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni didn’t come with much fanfare either. Shane Steichen?
Another under-the-radar hire who played a key role in Hurts’ development.
This front office has earned some benefit of the doubt. They said they’d cast a wide net in this search, and so far, they’re doing just that. Mannion may not be the obvious choice, but that doesn’t mean he’s the wrong one.
In a league where innovation and quarterback development are at a premium, hiring someone who’s helped shape a rising star like Jordan Love could be a smart move. If Sean Mannion is indeed the guy, there’s reason to believe the Eagles might be onto something.