Eagles’ OC Search Hits Snags - and Nick Sirianni Could Be the One Feeling the Heat
The Philadelphia Eagles are deep into their search for a new offensive coordinator, but so far, it hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. After parting ways with Kevin Patullo following a disappointing season, the team has struggled to land a top-tier replacement. Whether it’s a matter of being turned down by high-profile candidates or simply not casting a wide enough net, the Eagles are now staring down the possibility of settling for a less-than-ideal hire.
The urgency to find the right offensive mind is understandable. Patullo’s departure felt inevitable after the offense sputtered down the stretch. But now, the Eagles’ next move - or lack thereof - could have broader implications, especially for head coach Nick Sirianni.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, if the Eagles can’t find a coordinator they believe is the right fit, Sirianni could take over play-calling duties himself. “They have Nick Sirianni, who could always call the offense if they can’t find anybody worthy of doing the job,” Schefter said Wednesday. “(The Eagles) think there are enough good candidates out there that they’re going to come out of this with a good, strong offensive coordinator.”
That’s a vote of confidence in theory, but in practice, it’s a risky proposition. Sirianni has an offensive pedigree - he was the Colts’ offensive coordinator for three seasons before taking the Eagles’ head job - but calling plays while managing the full scope of head coaching responsibilities is a tall order, especially in Philadelphia’s pressure cooker of a football environment.
And let’s not forget: Sirianni already tried the dual role once. In 2021, he began the season as the play-caller before handing those duties off to then-OC Shane Steichen midway through the year.
The difference was immediate. With Steichen calling the shots, the Eagles averaged nearly six more points per game, over 20 more total yards, and more than 70 additional rushing yards.
That shift was a turning point - not just for the offense, but for the team’s identity.
It’s also worth noting that Sirianni’s success as a head coach has often mirrored the strength of his assistants. With Steichen and Kellen Moore in the building, the offense hummed.
But with Sean Desai and Patullo taking on larger roles, the team looked disjointed and inconsistent. If Sirianni ends up wearing both hats again, the margin for error shrinks significantly.
There’s also the matter of perception. Despite guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl win and another appearance on the game’s biggest stage, Sirianni hasn’t exactly won over everyone.
He’s been criticized for his sideline demeanor, his fiery temperament, and his handling of internal dynamics. Whether fair or not, that reputation could be a factor in why some top OC candidates have been reluctant to come aboard.
And that’s where things get tricky. If Sirianni takes over the offense and the team stumbles out of the gate in 2026, the spotlight will be squarely on him - with no coordinator to take the fall.
The Eagles’ front office has stood by him so far, largely because his win-loss record speaks for itself. But another sluggish season, especially one where the offense underwhelms under his direct control, could change the conversation fast.
Right now, the Eagles are at a crossroads. They still believe they’ll find a strong offensive coordinator to pair with Sirianni. But if they don’t, and he steps back into the play-calling role, it’s not just the offense that will be under the microscope - it’s his entire tenure in Philadelphia.