Jeff Garcia Wants Back In - But the Eagles Aren’t Answering the Call
Nearly two decades after he stepped in for an injured Donovan McNabb and led the Eagles on a thrilling playoff run, Jeff Garcia is once again trying to help the team - only this time, it’s from the sidelines. The former Pro Bowl quarterback says he’s reached out to the Eagles about joining the coaching staff, but so far, the response has been radio silence.
Garcia, who spent just one season in Philadelphia but left a lasting impression with a 6-2 finish and a playoff win in 2006, spoke from Super Bowl LX Media Row in San Francisco during an interview with 97.3 ESPN. He revealed that he’s made multiple attempts to connect with head coach Nick Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman, hoping to offer his support as new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion steps into a high-pressure role.
“I reached out to Nick about coaching with the Eagles and I don’t get a call back,” Garcia said. “So I’m very disappointed and discouraged by the whole process here.”
It’s not the first time Garcia has tried to re-enter the NFL coaching ranks. His only official coaching stint came back in 2015 with the then-St.
Louis Rams - the same year Mannion entered the league as a rookie quarterback. Garcia was on staff, Mannion was in the QB room, and that connection is what sparked Garcia’s interest in helping Mannion transition into his first coordinator job.
While Garcia hasn’t coached since that 2015 season, his desire to get involved seems genuine. He’s been paying close attention to the Eagles’ offense and the challenges ahead, particularly for quarterback Jalen Hurts, who’s coming off a frustrating season after previously soaring to Super Bowl MVP status.
Garcia’s concern? That Hurts isn’t getting the kind of coaching and structure he needs to take the next step - especially with a first-time play-caller in Mannion.
“If [Sirianni] wants to see that room develop and take what the message is and apply it on the field, then he’s got to be more hands-on,” Garcia said. “He can’t expect Mannion to be that guy.”
That’s not a knock on Mannion, who Garcia praised for his quarterback background and understanding of the position. But Garcia knows the challenge of implementing a new offensive system - especially one the team hasn’t run during Sirianni’s five-year tenure. That’s a tall order for any coordinator, let alone one with just two years of NFL coaching experience.
And for Hurts, adapting to a new offense could be another hurdle in a year that already feels like a reset.
“Jalen’s a tremendous player, a tremendous leader,” Garcia said. “But he could be a better decision-maker and he can get the ball out of his hands faster.
I feel like he waits. I feel like he relies on his legs a little too much, and those things are going to be disruptive to the offense as far as the consistency.”
That’s where Garcia sees an opportunity - not just for himself, but for the team. He believes that with the right guidance, Hurts can clean up some of the decision-making issues that plagued him this past season. It’s about understanding what you’re seeing before the snap, reacting quickly after the snap, and letting the offense work as designed instead of defaulting to improvisation.
“That clock needs to be ticking in your head,” Garcia emphasized. “He’s been blessed to have a great offensive line in front of him and great time, but at times you see him move just out of discomfort because it’s taking a little too long - probably because he’s already missed the first opportunity. Those are the things I would be coaching him up on.”
It’s clear Garcia has stayed mentally sharp, even if he hasn’t been on a sideline in years. And while the Eagles may not be picking up the phone, he’s still offering his insight - even if it’s through a radio mic instead of a headset.
Interestingly, there could be another familiar face in the mix. The Eagles are reportedly planning to interview Greg Olson for their quarterbacks coach position - the same Greg Olson who was Garcia’s OC in Detroit the year before his Philly run.
So while Garcia may not get the reunion he’s hoping for, the Eagles' coaching staff could still end up with someone from his football past. Whether or not that’s enough to help Jalen Hurts and this offense bounce back remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure: Jeff Garcia still has the fire to coach. And if the Eagles ever decide to return his call, he’ll be ready.