The Philadelphia Eagles are entering a pivotal stretch as they search for a new offensive coordinator, following the departure of Kevin Patullo. With a roster built to compete now and a franchise quarterback in Jalen Hurts, this hire isn't just about filling a vacancy - it's about setting the tone for the offense in 2026 and beyond.
According to multiple reports, the Eagles are targeting candidates with proven experience calling plays and running an offense independently - a clear indication that head coach Nick Sirianni is ready to hand over full control of the offense to his next coordinator. That’s a significant shift in philosophy, and it points to the organization’s desire for a more autonomous offensive mind to steer the ship.
Two of the names generating serious buzz are former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and former Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Both bring head coaching experience, offensive creativity, and a history of working with quarterbacks - a must in today’s NFL.
But here’s where things get complicated.
Brian Daboll, who’s widely seen as a top-tier coordinator candidate, is also being considered for a head coaching role. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Daboll is interviewing for the Tennessee Titans’ head coaching job. That’s a wrinkle the Eagles can’t ignore - because if Daboll lands in Nashville, he’s off the table entirely.
Let’s unpack the situation.
Mike McDaniel arguably has the stronger recent résumé. In his first two seasons as head coach of the Dolphins, he led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances - a rare feat for a first-time head coach.
His offensive system in Miami was lauded for its creativity, motion-heavy schemes, and ability to maximize speed. That kind of innovation would be a welcome addition in Philadelphia, especially with a dynamic quarterback like Hurts and a versatile backfield.
Daboll, meanwhile, had a hot start in New York. He took the Giants to the playoffs in his first season, showing he could elevate a struggling offense.
But the momentum didn’t last. The Giants failed to return to the postseason in subsequent years, and Daboll was let go midway through the 2025 campaign.
Still, his track record as an offensive mind - particularly from his time in Buffalo as Josh Allen’s OC - keeps him in high demand.
Here’s why Daboll might make more sense for Philly, though.
He’s more likely to take a coordinator job than McDaniel, who may still be holding out for another head coaching opportunity. And Daboll has built-in familiarity with key Eagles players.
He’s worked with Jalen Hurts before, and he has a strong relationship with Saquon Barkley, which could ease the transition and spark quicker buy-in from the locker room. That kind of chemistry matters, especially when you’re trying to install a new system and hit the ground running.
The Eagles are expected to keep a close eye on Daboll’s situation with the Titans. If he doesn’t land that head coaching job, Philadelphia could move quickly to bring him in as OC.
But timing is everything. With multiple teams hunting for offensive minds, the window to make a move could close fast.
This is a high-stakes decision for the Eagles. They’ve got the talent.
They’ve got the quarterback. Now they need the right voice to lead the offense - someone who can scheme with creativity, call games with confidence, and help push this team back into serious contention.
Whether it’s Daboll, McDaniel, or another name entirely, the next few weeks could shape the future of the Eagles’ offense in a big way.
