As the Eagles turn the page on a disappointing season, the conversation around Nick Sirianni’s job security has cooled-for now. And that’s probably the right call.
Let’s not forget: Sirianni is still less than a year removed from leading Philadelphia to a Super Bowl appearance. That’s no small feat in a league where the margin between contender and collapse is razor-thin.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t serious questions about his role, especially when it comes to the offense.
Sirianni’s Role: Head Coach or Bystander?
Let’s call it what it is: Sirianni’s offensive credibility has taken a hit. While he came into the job with a reputation as an offensive mind, the Eagles’ recent approach suggests the organization doesn’t exactly trust him to run the show on that side of the ball.
Over the past year, we’ve seen a clear trend-Sirianni being stripped of game-day responsibilities and offensive control. And now, with the team searching for a new offensive coordinator, that shift is becoming even more pronounced.
According to reports, Philadelphia is offering OC candidates full autonomy over the offense. That’s not just a minor detail-it’s a seismic shift in how the team is structured.
Essentially, the Eagles are telling potential hires: *Come run the offense your way. We won’t interfere.
And that includes Sirianni.
A Talented Offense, Underperforming
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this Eagles offense underwhelmed. With the weapons they have-Jalen Hurts, A.J.
Brown, DeVonta Smith, a strong offensive line-this group should’ve been lighting up the scoreboard. Instead, they finished in the bottom half of the league in key metrics like passing yards and third-down conversions.
That’s not just disappointing; it’s unacceptable for a roster this loaded.
Kevin Patullo, a longtime Sirianni ally and the passing game coordinator, was let go. That marks the second time in five years one of Sirianni’s hand-picked offensive coordinators has been shown the door. And now, with the Eagles looking to make what could be the most important hire of Sirianni’s tenure, the message is clear: the next OC will have the keys to the car.
The Search for an “Established Name”
According to league sources, the Eagles are zeroing in on experienced, high-profile candidates. They’re not looking for a young up-and-comer or a project.
They want someone who’s been there, done that, and can take over the offense with minimal supervision. The team is reportedly assuring candidates that there will be no interference from above-just a clean runway to build and call plays.
That mirrors the setup Kellen Moore reportedly had during his time in Philadelphia. And it raises the question: if the OC is running the offense and Vic Fangio is running the defense, what exactly is Sirianni’s role?
The “CEO Head Coach” Model
This brings us back to a familiar NFL storyline-the CEO-style head coach. Sirianni may have entered the league as an offensive mind, but the Eagles are now treating him like a manager of people and culture, not a schemer of plays. He’s hands-off with Fangio’s defense, and now, it appears he’ll be hands-off with the offense too.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The CEO model can work.
We’ve seen it succeed with coaches who empower elite coordinators and focus on leadership, motivation, and game management. But it only works if the head coach is exceptional at those things-and if the coordinators are elite.
The Jalen Hurts Factor
Some of the offensive struggles have been pinned on Jalen Hurts, and there’s been chatter about the playbook being simplified to keep him comfortable. Whether that’s true or not, it’s another sign of the disconnect.
If the offense is being scaled back, and it’s still underperforming, someone has to own that. And as the head coach, that responsibility ultimately falls on Sirianni.
Moving on from Patullo sends a clear message: the team believes the offensive issues weren’t just about execution-they were about leadership and vision. And now, by offering full control to the next OC, the Eagles are essentially saying Sirianni should step aside and let someone else steer.
Bottom Line
Nick Sirianni isn’t on the hot seat-yet. But the Eagles’ approach to this offensive coordinator hire tells us everything we need to know about how the organization views his role.
He may still wear the headset, but when it comes to X’s and O’s, he’s being asked to take a back seat. If the next OC hire hits, and the offense rebounds, Sirianni’s CEO model might just work.
If not, the questions about what exactly he brings to the table will only get louder.