NFL
Exclusive: Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni’s Job Hinges on Rekindling Jalen Hurts and Offensive Coordinator Hire
Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has faced challenges with the team's quarterback and offensive coordinator. Despite concerns about stability, the hire of new coordinator Sean Mannion brings hope for improvement. If changes don't lead to success, bigger adjustments could be on the horizon.
NFC Championship Game: Washington Commanders v Philadelphia Eagles by Mitchell Leff | Getty Images
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has had to navigate much turmoil for a young coach, and a Super Bowl-winning coach at that, and while his hire of rising offensive coordinator Sean Mannion earned high marks from rival coaches and execs, several other candidates had trepidation about the situation, according to NFL sources.
Sirianni has had to juggle locker room issues involving quarterback Jalen Hurts, and the passer’s erratic play was a serious concern for some experienced coordinator candidates.
Given all he has had to endure despite already winning a title, with the Eagles experiencing a collapse in 2023 and then again falling short of expectations in 2025 following a Lombardi Trophy run, other candidates had concerns about the long-term stability of the job if the Eagles (who operate in Super Bowl-or-bust mode) were to pursue more sweeping coaching changes in 2027.
“It’s a hornet nest there right now with Hurts,” said the agent for one potential coordinator the Eagles were interested in speaking with. “It scared some guys off.”
More Hands-On Sirianni?
The promotion of Kevin Patullo to coordinator for the 2025 was almost doomed from the start, according to league sources.
“The coordinator had a lot to do with the way that offense performed,” said one NFL general manager who faced the Eagles. “He was a big part of the problem, and I think they started to realize that in that building pretty early.”
Mannion, 33, was a quick riser in the coaching ranks since his playing career ended, and league sources said his approach and demeanor will be a marked departure from Patullo. There is also a strong expectation that Sirianni will be working very closely with the quarterback and new coordinator to help boost the offensive scheme and foster a winning relationship between them.
The very early returns have been solid with players keen on the potential for improvement, and the combination of Sirianni and Mannion should improve some of the schematic issues that plagued them a year ago.
If this arrangement doesn’t work, and the Eagles cannot breakthrough in the postseason, it would not come as a shock to coaches and execs around the league if bigger changes were in store. General Manager Howie Roseman routinely builds some of the best and deepest rosters int he NFL, and owner Jeffrey Lurie holds the team to the highest expectations.
“Sirianni has to know his job is on the line with this (offensive coordinator) hire,” said another NFL general manager.
“Doug Peterson was out of there a couple of years after winning their first Super Bowl. Howie and Jeffrey will do whatever they think they have to do. Everything is always on the table.”
La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.