The list of potential candidates for the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator opening just got one name shorter with the latest news.
One of the Eagles' biggest rivals, the New York Giants, looks to be the first team in the NFL coaching carousel to make a head-coaching hire, as they are finalizing a deal to bring in former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
As part of the hire, Harbaugh is expected to bring in a former assistant from his Ravens staff to the Giants. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that former Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken is expected to follow Harbaugh to the same role he held with the Ravens.
No major surprise for Eagles as they lose out on Todd Monken
While Monken's name has not been brought up as a possibility for the Eagles' offensive coordinator, he fit the profile of what they were looking for. The Eagles want a coach who will have full control of the offense without any outsiders, like head coach Nick Sirianni, interfering with the system.
Monken has been interviewing for other offensive coordinator and head coaching jobs, but was always expected to join Harbaugh wherever he went. Over the last three years as Ravens offensive coordinator, Monken helped quarterback Lamar Jackson develop into a polished pocket passer and win the 2023 NFL MVP.
Philly will have to look elsewhere, with their top two candidates still available: former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Since Daboll has prior relationships with Jalen Hurts from Alabama and Saquon Barkley from the Giants, the former head coach could have the slight edge.
Read more: NFL insider adds much-needed clarity to muddy Eagles OC search
This is not the end of the world for the Eagles to lose out on a chance to talk to Monken, but it does hurt that he will most likely be coaching against them twice a year with Jaxson Dart at quarterback. The Giants are starting to load up and get better, which puts more pressure on Philly to nail the offensive coordinator hire.