It was a long time coming, but the start of the 2026 season is feeling a lot closer than it ever has, as the Philadelphia Eagles let their coordinators speak to the media for the first time since the offseason began.
Speaking for the Eagles were defensive coordinator Vic Fangio first, then special teams coordinator Michael Clay, and the long-awaited debut of offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. They each got a chance to chat about how the team is looking, with the veterans talking about last season and Mannion answering multiple questions about his quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
After the three talked, there was a lot of commentary from fans and reporters about how they did in their first conversations of 2026, but was it satisfactory to the fan base? Here's a look at some key moments and analysis on how to feel about it.
Looking back at Eagles coordinators' press conference
Michael Clay has a lot of work to do from what it sounds like
Clay has been with the organization on and off since 2014, but has been head coach Nick Sirianni's special teams coordinator since 2021, when he was promoted. Throughout the years, Clay has had some great units, but going into 2026, the spotlight is on him more than ever.
His kicker, Jake Elliott, was a big topic of discussion as he talked about helping the veteran rediscover the love of the game to get his groove back. Elliott has made less than 80% of his field goals in each of the last two seasons, so 2026 is a make-or-break year for him.
There were also discussions on the lack of success on kickoff return with multiple players filling in, including Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby, but fumbles and inconsistent play hurt them. That'll be another point of emphasis for the Eagles come 2026.
While Mannion will feel the heat the most, it should really be Clay under more pressure. If Elliott doesn't improve and the return game doesn't get better, there might have to be a real conversation about Clay sticking around after 2026.
Vic Fangio gave Eagles fans the hope they needed for the future
There was a collective sigh of relief that swept through the city of Philadelphia when Fangio stated that he had at least two more years to coach. That was the opposite of the offseason rumors that he was close to retirement, but Fangio shutting that down was music to Eagles fans' ears.
Nothing much has changed with Fangio, as he was cracking jokes about meaningless coaching titles and a slight attack on the Philadelphia Phillies' manager change earlier in the season, like usual. He seemed to be the same old, same old coordinator Eagles fans have grown to love over the last two seasons.
The interesting question will be how Fangio handles the edge rusher room with Jonathan Greenard replacing Jaelan Phillips, and whether Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt take big steps. Fangio also has to address the safety position, which Cooper DeJean will apparently play a little more of in Base defense in 2026.
There are fewer questions on the Eagles' defense as Fangio has had a ton of success there. Everything seems to be according to plan so far.
All eyes were on Sean Mannion's first public comments as OC
Mannion got the most analysis from everyone in Philly sports media to see how he would handle his first slew of questions. From everyone's account, he hit a massive 400-foot home run in front of reporters.
He seemed confident in his answers, was detailed in what he was saying, and just didn't let the moment be too big for him. Mannion took on some tough questions about Hurts and answered each of them to perfection.
It is early on in his coaching career, so the media might have taken a bit easier on him than they will during the regular season, but everyone loved Mannion's approach. Many commented on his use of the word "blend" and on how his calm demeanor resembled Sirianni's.
Read more: Sean Mannion pulled no punches in first Jalen Hurts question as Eagles OC
Everyone agrees that Mannion passed his first big test as the Eagles' offensive coordinator. It's only going to get tougher from here for him, though, so he'd better be ready for what's next.
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