Best options to replace Shane Steichen as Eagles offensive coordinator

The news we were expecting to hear came down on Tuesday, just a tad under two full days after the Philadelphia Eagles broke the hearts of Birds fans everywhere. History has indeed repeated itself as the Indianapolis Colts officially announced the hiring of Shane Steichen.

Steichen flew to Indy on Monday to finalize the deal. On Tuesday, it was officially announced.

Don’t take our word for it. Take a look for yourselves.

Steichen’s rise continues as a coaching career that began in Louisville as an offensive assistant has led to him mentoring both Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. Here’s a look at his resume so far:

• Defensive Assistant, San Diego Chargers (2011–2012)
• Offensive quality control coach, Cleveland Browns (2013)
• Offensive quality control coach, San Diego Chargers (2014–2015)
• Quarterbacks coach, San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2016–2019)
• Interim offensive coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (2019)
  
• Offensive coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (2020)
• Offensive coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles (2021–2022)

What should the Eagles do next? We’re glad you’re asking.

Here are the best options for replacing Shane Steichen as the Eagles offensive coordinator.

There’s a chance that the Eagles look outside of the organization to find Jonathan Gannon’s replacement. There were theories that they’d pursue Vic Fangio aggressively to replace Jonathan Gannon if he departed. We previously argued the pros and cons of that one, but he accepted a position with the Miami Dolphins.

More often than not, in situations like these, Philly has promoted internally. That’s why we’d prefer to see two current assistants win the job as offensive coordinator.

Kevin Patullo, Eagles passing game coordinator

Kevin Patullo has a lot of experience. His coaching career began in 2003 as a South Florida graduate assistant. He’s since coached at two college football programs (Arizona and Texas A&M) and five NFL teams before landing in Philly.

During Sirianni’s December 2021 bout with COVID, Patullo assumed head-coaching duties in Nick’s absence. He has been Nick’s right-hand man, and moving him from passing game coordinator to take over as O.C. would figure to be a smooth and easy transition.

Brian Johnson, Eagles quarterbacks coach

Brian Johnson was an unofficial member of the Hurts family before Jalen Hurts was a member of the Hurts family. He played for Jalen’s father as a prep star.

This is Johnson’s second year as Eagles quarterbacks coach. Prior to that, he served as the Florida Gators’ offensive coordinator. He led their offense to become the most prolific in the FBS (387.6 yards per game). He’s respected in NFL circles and by Eagles players. Much of Jalen’s rise has been credited to him.

As is the case with Patullo, elevating Johnson will be a smooth transition, but we’ll have to wait to see if the Eagles brass agrees.

Bookmark this one. We’ll put our ear to the concrete and will be adding more names to this list as the day moves on.