The Philadelphia Eagles' search for a new offensive coordinator has turned into a marathon, not a sprint - and now, Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson is the latest name to enter the second-interview stage.
According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Johnson recently completed his second interview with the team, marking him as the fourth known candidate to reach this point in the process. He joins Sean Mannion, Jim Bob Cooter, and Josh Grizzard in what’s shaping up to be a wide-ranging and deliberate search by the Eagles’ front office.
Now, Johnson isn’t exactly a household name - at least not yet. But he’s been making some noise behind the scenes in Houston, helping guide C.J.
Stroud through a standout rookie season. That kind of résumé, even if it’s short on play-calling experience, is clearly enough to earn a serious look from Philadelphia.
What’s becoming increasingly clear is that the Eagles aren’t necessarily prioritizing a traditional OC hire - someone with years of play-calling under their belt. Instead, they appear to be looking for a coach who brings fresh ideas and can mesh with head coach Nick Sirianni’s offensive vision. That opens the door for someone like Johnson, who’s viewed as an up-and-comer with the potential to grow into the role.
There’s also the possibility - as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter - that Sirianni could take over play-calling duties himself. That would be a notable shift, considering the last time he held the reins in 2021, the offense sputtered enough to prompt a handoff to Shane Steichen. That move ultimately paid off, as Steichen’s leadership helped guide the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance.
So, what does all this mean for Eagles fans? Well, patience is wearing thin.
The team has reportedly conducted nearly 20 interviews in this search, and the lack of a clear frontrunner has created some understandable frustration. But the Eagles seem committed to doing their due diligence, even if it means waiting while other top candidates - like Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll - land elsewhere.
As for Johnson specifically, his work with Stroud shows he knows how to connect with a young quarterback and help him thrive. That’s a critical box to check when you’ve got a franchise QB like Jalen Hurts. But it’s fair to note that the Texans’ offense has seen some ups and downs over the past two seasons, and any hint of regression in Philly - especially after the way this past year ended - would be a tough pill to swallow.
Right now, the Eagles’ coaching search feels like it’s stuck in neutral. The names being floated aren’t exactly lighting up message boards or talk radio, but that doesn’t mean the right hire isn’t in the mix. Johnson may not be the splashiest candidate, but if the Eagles believe he can help elevate Hurts and bring a new spark to the offense, he’ll get his shot.
For now, Philly fans are left waiting - again - hoping that the next offensive coordinator can help turn the page and get this team back to contender status.