Eagles Miss Out on Arthur Smith as OC Search Drags On
The Philadelphia Eagles' search for a new offensive coordinator just hit another speed bump. Arthur Smith, a name that had been quietly floating around as a potential target, is officially off the board.
Smith is heading to the college ranks, taking the offensive coordinator job at Ohio State, according to multiple reports. And while the Eagles reportedly had conversations with him, he made his decision before anything materialized in Philly.
Smith spent the last two seasons calling plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers after a stint as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach. His move to Columbus adds another wrinkle to what’s becoming a surprisingly drawn-out process for the Eagles, who’ve already seen several top targets slip away. Mike McDaniel, Zac Robinson, and Bobby Slowik were all reportedly on the radar but are now out of reach.
A Job That Should Be Attractive… But Isn’t Landing the Names
On paper, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator job should be one of the most appealing in the NFL. You’ve got a franchise quarterback in Jalen Hurts, a dynamic backfield led by Saquon Barkley, and a wide receiver duo in A.J.
Brown and DeVonta Smith that can go toe-to-toe with any in the league. All of them are locked in through the 2026 season.
That’s a dream scenario for most offensive minds.
But there are some complicating factors. Brown’s name has been floating in trade rumors again this offseason.
Hurts, while still one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, has reportedly been hesitant to lean into the run game as much as the coaching staff might want. And then there’s Lane Johnson, the veteran anchor of the offensive line, who’s weighing retirement.
That’s a lot of uncertainty for a team that just two years ago was in the Super Bowl.
Where the Search Stands Now
Despite the setbacks, the Eagles still have viable options. They may not be the splashiest names, but they’re capable and respected around the league. Mike Kafka, Jim Bob Cooter, and Declan Doyle are all reportedly in the mix and drawing attention.
Then there’s Brian Daboll. The former Giants head coach is still considered a top-tier candidate, but his situation is complicated.
He’s reportedly weighing multiple opportunities, including the offensive coordinator roles in Philadelphia and Tennessee, as well as the head coaching vacancy in Buffalo. Until he makes a decision, the Eagles-and everyone else-are in a holding pattern.
No Need to Rush, But the Clock Is Ticking
With the Super Bowl still ahead, this search could stretch into February. That’s not ideal for a team looking to retool and rebound after a disappointing finish to the 2025 season.
But this hire is too important to rush. The Eagles need someone who can maximize the talent on this roster, navigate the personalities in the locker room, and help Jalen Hurts get back to MVP form.
So while the fan base grows restless and another candidate heads elsewhere, the Eagles are staying patient. They have to get this one right.