Eagles admit offense ‘got stale’ as Nick Sirianni searches for new coordinator to guide Jalen Hurts
As they hunt for their third offensive coordinator in three years, the Eagles are determined to keep what worked while injecting some new ideas into their offense
As Jalen Hurts spoke with the media during the Philadelphia Eagles’ locker clean-out, he expressed confidence in the team’s continuity, stating, “I believe in everyone here. We plan on fixing everything that we’ve done and growing together — Coach Sirianni, Brian, everyone.” A week later, the Eagles announced that head coach Nick Sirianni would return for a fourth year, but they also made the decision to release offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, a childhood acquaintance of Hurts, after just one year in the role and two more as Hurts’ quarterbacks coach.
The Eagles’ choice regarding Johnson was complex. On one hand, his departure means Hurts will now have to adapt to his ninth play-caller in the past 10 seasons, dating back to his high school years. Interestingly, Hurts’ most successful season occurred when he didn’t have to adjust to a new coordinator. Conversely, the Eagles experienced a decline towards the end of the 2023 regular season, losing as many games in the last six weeks as they did in the previous 24 months. Hurts’ performance also regressed, with his passer rating falling from 101.5 to 89.1 and an increase in interceptions thrown.
Following their playoff loss, Hurts criticized the team’s lack of offensive identity, signaling the need for change within his unit. Consequently, the Eagles are once again searching for new offensive and defensive coordinators, having lost both to head-coaching roles the previous year.
In their pursuit of a new offensive coordinator, the Eagles seek someone who can provide a vision, call plays, and effectively coach the quarterback. They aim to address the staleness that characterized the latter part of the 2023 season, emphasizing the need for fresh ideas and direction. While they intend to build upon successful aspects of their offense, they acknowledge the necessity for change.
The Eagles are also considering candidates who may not have worked within Sirianni’s coaching circle, prioritizing adaptability to the team’s current roster. With talented players like Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and a strong offensive line, the Eagles possess the pieces for a formidable offense. However, they recognize the need for improved design and direction to maximize their potential.
Hurts remains optimistic about the team’s future, expressing confidence in Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, and team owner Jeffrey Lurie. As the Eagles navigate this transition period, they must define their new vision and schematic approach while also addressing Hurts’ development and the overall effectiveness of the offense.