The Philadelphia Eagles are still searching for their next offensive coordinator, and as some of the top candidates come off the board, the list of remaining options is getting slimmer-but not without intriguing possibilities. Brian Daboll is heading to Tennessee, Mike McDaniel is off to San Diego, Joe Brady is taking over in Buffalo, and Eric Bieniemy is returning to Kansas City. That leaves a few names still in play, and one that continues to surface is James Robert Cooter-better known across the league as Jim Bob Cooter.
Now, name aside, Cooter brings a résumé that deserves a closer look. He’s not a flashy hire, but he's got legitimate experience and a solid track record that might make more sense than some fans initially realize.
Let’s start with the Eagles connection. Cooter was part of Philadelphia’s staff back in 2021, serving as an offensive consultant.
That was a transitional year for the Eagles, and while his role was behind the scenes, it gave him a firsthand look at Nick Sirianni’s system and culture. From there, he moved on to Jacksonville in 2022, taking over as the Jaguars’ passing game coordinator.
That stint helped lay the groundwork for his current role with the Colts, where he joined Shane Steichen’s staff as offensive coordinator.
It’s worth noting that while Cooter didn’t call the plays in Indianapolis, he was part of a staff that helped get the most out of a Colts offense that had its moments this past season-particularly before injuries derailed the progress. There was real momentum there, and Cooter played a role in building that.
But if you're looking for play-calling experience, Cooter’s got that, too. He was the offensive coordinator in Detroit from 2016 to 2018, working with Matthew Stafford during a period when the Lions posted back-to-back 9-7 seasons under Jim Caldwell.
That offense wasn’t loaded with elite talent, but it was scrappy and productive. Marvin Jones and Golden Tate were the top receivers, and the backfield was a revolving door of Theo Riddick, Ameer Abdullah, Kerryon Johnson, and LeGarrette Blount.
Not exactly a murderers’ row of offensive weapons, but Cooter found ways to move the ball.
After Detroit, he spent time with the Jets as their running backs coach before reconnecting with the Eagles in 2021. So, when you zoom out, you're looking at a guy who’s worked across multiple systems, with a variety of quarterbacks and skill sets, and who’s already familiar with both Sirianni and the Eagles’ organizational structure.
Still, the reaction from some corners of the fanbase has been lukewarm, with the phrase “the Eagles are gonna end up with Jim Bob Cooter” floating around social media like a collective sigh. But let’s be honest-this isn’t some random name pulled out of a hat.
Cooter knows the system. He knows Sirianni.
He’s worked closely with Shane Steichen, whose offensive philosophy helped the Eagles thrive just a season ago. If continuity and familiarity matter, Cooter checks those boxes.
Critics may frame it as Sirianni simply bringing in “one of his guys,” especially in the wake of the Kevin Patullo promotion, which didn’t sit well with everyone. But when you compare Cooter’s experience to some of the other names being floated-Jerrod Johnson and Sean Mannion among them-it’s clear he brings more to the table in terms of NFL seasoning and offensive versatility.
There’s no perfect hire here, but Jim Bob Cooter is a name worth keeping an eye on. He may not generate the headline buzz of a big-name coordinator, but his background suggests he could be a steady, capable hand-exactly what the Eagles might need to get their offense back in rhythm.