Eagles OC Search Heats Up: Sean Mannion Joins Expanding List of Candidates
The Philadelphia Eagles are deep into their search for a new offensive coordinator, and the list of potential hires continues to grow. The latest name in the mix? Sean Mannion - a former NFL quarterback who's quietly been building his coaching résumé in Green Bay.
Mannion, 33, is coming off his second season with the Packers, where he’s been working behind the scenes in a developmental role. While he’s still relatively new to coaching, his decade-long NFL career as a backup quarterback - including stints with the Rams and Vikings - gives him a unique perspective. He appeared in 14 games and made three starts during his playing days, and that experience in quarterback rooms across the league could be a valuable asset in Philadelphia.
But Mannion isn’t the only name the Eagles are looking at. Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson has also reportedly interviewed for the position.
Johnson’s coaching stock has risen quickly over the past few seasons, thanks in part to his work with C.J. Stroud during a breakout rookie campaign in Houston.
Before stepping into coaching in 2017, Johnson spent time as a backup quarterback with six NFL teams. He also has a brief Eagles connection - he was on their practice squad back in 2011 - and worked with current Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni in Indianapolis during the 2020 season.
Then there’s Frank Smith, who’s been the offensive coordinator in Miami for the past three years. While head coach Mike McDaniel has called the plays for the Dolphins, Smith has been instrumental in crafting one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.
His background is rooted in the trenches - he’s served as a run game coordinator and offensive line coach with the Chargers, and previously coached tight ends with the Raiders and Bears. He also spent time with the Saints as an assistant offensive line coach, adding more depth to his résumé.
Each candidate brings something a little different to the table. Mannion offers a quarterback’s lens and a fresh coaching perspective.
Johnson is a rising star with a proven track record in quarterback development. Smith brings a wealth of experience in scheme design and offensive line play, even if he hasn’t been the primary play-caller.
The Eagles are clearly casting a wide net. In addition to Mannion, Johnson, and Smith, several other names have surfaced in the search, including:
- Matt Nagy, former Chiefs offensive coordinator
- Jim Bob Cooter, current Colts offensive coordinator
- Josh Grizzard, former Buccaneers offensive coordinator
With a pivotal offseason ahead and questions swirling around the future of the Eagles’ offense, this hire will be a critical one. Whether they lean toward a young, ascending mind like Johnson or Mannion, or opt for a more seasoned presence like Smith or Nagy, the Eagles are signaling that they’re looking for someone who can help reinvigorate their offense - and fast.
We’ll keep an eye on how this unfolds.