From Practice Squad to Play-Caller: Sean Mannion’s Rapid Rise Lands Him Eagles OC Job
Sean Mannion never took a snap in a regular-season game for the Seattle Seahawks, but his time in the Pacific Northwest may have quietly laid the foundation for one of the most surprising coaching ascents in recent memory. Just over two seasons removed from his last stint on Seattle’s practice squad, Mannion is now the new offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles - a franchise that won the Super Bowl just a year ago and remains stacked with talent.
Let’s break that down: in 2023, Mannion was still wearing a practice jersey in Seattle. In 2024, he jumped into coaching as an offensive assistant with the Green Bay Packers.
By 2025, he’d earned a promotion to quarterbacks coach. And now, in 2026, he’s calling plays for one of the NFC’s top contenders.
That’s a meteoric rise, no matter how you chart it.
Mannion’s Football IQ Was Never in Question
While Mannion never saw game action in Seattle, he clearly made an impression on the coaching staff - especially then-head coach Pete Carroll. Mannion had three separate stints with the Seahawks, spending most of his time in the film room and on the practice field.
But even in that role, he showed a deep understanding of offensive concepts and how to counter defensive schemes. That kind of football brain doesn’t go unnoticed in NFL circles.
It’s easy to overlook the value of a player like Mannion when the quarterback room is led by durable starters like Russell Wilson and Geno Smith. Seattle rarely needed its backups to step in, which meant Mannion’s contributions were often behind the scenes. But those moments - studying tape, helping install game plans, working with young receivers - are where future coaches often cut their teeth.
A Bold Move by the Eagles
Now comes the real test. Philadelphia didn’t just hand Mannion a clipboard - they handed him the keys to an offense built around Jalen Hurts, one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. And while Hurts thrives in a system that leans on the run game and emphasizes his mobility, it remains to be seen how Mannion plans to tailor the scheme to his strengths.
Here’s the thing: Mannion has never called plays at any level. He’s never been the architect of an offense.
And that makes this hire a bit of a gamble, especially for a team with championship aspirations. The Eagles reportedly spoke with several candidates during their coordinator search, but many of those names eventually withdrew from consideration.
Why? That’s unclear.
But it left the door open for Mannion - and he walked right through it.
Pressure Comes With the Territory in Philly
Philadelphia isn’t exactly known for patience when it comes to coaches, and Mannion is stepping into a pressure cooker. Eagles fans expect results, and they expect them fast.
If the offense stumbles early, the criticism will come loud and often. That’s the nature of the job in a football-obsessed city with sky-high expectations.
Still, there’s something intriguing about this hire. Mannion may not have the resume of a seasoned play-caller, but he’s earned the trust of NFL decision-makers in a very short time. The Eagles clearly see something in him - a sharp mind, a calm demeanor, and perhaps a fresh perspective on how to unlock even more from an already potent offense.
Meanwhile, Back in Seattle…
While Mannion is settling into his new gig, the Seahawks may soon be facing their own offensive coordinator vacancy. Klint Kubiak, Seattle’s current OC, has reportedly drawn interest for head coaching roles - including with the Raiders and Cardinals. If he lands one of those jobs, Seattle will be in the market for a new play-caller.
But don’t expect Mannion to be part of that conversation. Even with his history in Seattle, a fourth stint in the Pacific Northwest isn’t on the radar - not with the Eagles betting big on his upside.
Final Thought
Sean Mannion’s path from clipboard holder to offensive coordinator is one of the more unconventional coaching stories in recent years. He’s got a steep hill to climb in Philly, but he’s also got a golden opportunity.
If he can translate his football IQ into on-field production, this could be the beginning of something special. If not, well - the NFL moves fast.
But for now, Mannion’s rise is proof that even the quietest careers can lead to the biggest stages.