The Philadelphia Eagles are officially in fix-it mode after a disappointing playoff exit that left more questions than answers-especially on the offensive side of the ball. Once known for their explosive, high-octane attack, the Eagles' offense sputtered down the stretch, and now the front office is laser-focused on finding the right mind to get things back on track.
At the top of their list? Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll-two recently available head coaches with strong offensive pedigrees. According to reports, Philadelphia has serious interest in both, with McDaniel emerging as a particularly intriguing target for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
But here’s the catch: the Eagles aren’t the only ones circling McDaniel. The former Dolphins head coach has already met with the Detroit Lions and has another interview lined up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
And that’s just for OC gigs. McDaniel is also drawing interest for head coaching roles, having interviewed with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.
Translation: Philly’s got competition-and they’re late to the party.
Part of the challenge stems from the Eagles' own timeline. While other teams moved quickly to shake up their coaching staffs, Philadelphia took a more cautious approach.
Kevin Patullo, the team’s now-former offensive coordinator, wasn’t immediately shown the door, even as the offense faltered late in the season. That delay may have cost them valuable time in the race for top-tier replacements like McDaniel.
And time matters. When you’re trying to court a coach with options, every day counts. McDaniel is already deep into conversations elsewhere, and if he feels momentum building with another team, the Eagles may find themselves on the outside looking in.
There are other factors working against Philly, too. Internally, the team is dealing with some uncertainty.
A.J. Brown’s off-field drama hasn’t exactly quieted, and Dallas Goedert’s looming free agency adds another layer of instability.
Those aren’t deal-breakers, but they do complicate the pitch.
That said, McDaniel is no stranger to managing big personalities-he spent his time in Miami working with Tyreek Hill, one of the league’s most electric (and outspoken) receivers. In that context, the Eagles’ situation might not be such a red flag. In fact, it could even be appealing.
There’s a lot to like in Philly, after all. The offensive line remains one of the best in football, and the opportunity to work with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley is a dream scenario for any offensive mind. If McDaniel is looking for a bounce-back spot where he can make an immediate impact, the Eagles could be a tailor-made fit.
Still, the reality is this: Philadelphia didn’t do itself any favors by dragging its feet. The delay in moving on from Patullo now feels costly, especially as other teams move quickly to secure top coaching talent. It’s a pattern that defined much of the Eagles’ 2025 season-hesitation, followed by a scramble to catch up.
Now, the pressure’s on Nick Sirianni and the front office to make the right call. Land McDaniel, and it’s an instant win-an experienced, innovative coach who could reignite an offense that badly needs a spark. Miss out, and the Eagles may find themselves stuck searching for answers once again, while other teams move forward with their plans already in motion.