There weren't many Philadelphia Eagles fans who were surprised to hear the team lost out on Brian Daboll for the offensive coordinator job, but they were still massively disappointed.
After the news that the Buffalo Bills had promoted Joe Brady to head coach, Daboll was still a very slim possibility for the Eagles' OC, but ultimately decided to take the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator role instead. It was expected, but still crushing to lose out on someone considered the top candidate in Philly, given his past relationships with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
Reporters are now giving some clear insights into what happened in the interview process for the Eagles that caused them to lose out on Daboll. It may not make Eagles fans feel better, but at least they can know the team is thinking right for the search.
What reporters are saying about the Eagles' talks with Brian Daboll
Starting with NFL insider Mike Garafolo, he shared a clear-cut reason Daboll chose the Titans over the Eagles.
"Brian Daboll had good conversations with the Eagles and was intrigued by a possible reunion with Jalen Hurts. But he and Robert Saleh grew close in recent years and there was a lot to like about Cam Ward and the Titans. So the two former NY coaches reunite on another Broadway."
Brian Daboll had good conversations with the #Eagles and was intrigued by a possible reunion with Jalen Hurts. But he and Robert Saleh grew close in recent years and there was a lot to like about Cam Ward and the #Titans. So the two former NY coaches reunite on another Broadway. pic.twitter.com/1Z0pBJMDz0
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 27, 2026
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane added more context from the Eagles' perspective on what they were saying or thinking during the Daboll process.
"The Eagles didn’t offer Brian Daboll the OC job, nor have they yet to officially offer the job to anyone, per sources, but he was a top target, went through a formal interview process, and had support from key individuals in the organization.
He told the Eagles that he was pursuing other opportunities. They continued on with their process. Doesn’t mean they won’t find a suitable replacement, but they are now two weeks removed from Kevin Patullo’s ouster."
That last paragraph isn't going to make Eagles fans feel better, but at least the conversations were had, and they tried. Sure, there are way more questions about what was told to Daboll to make him think that the Titans, a significantly worse team than the Eagles, were the better team to coach, but fans have been down that dark rabbit hole too many times.
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Philly has moved on and is looking for other candidates. Maybe a miracle to pull in someone like Broncos passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb would be great for them, but this search has taught every Eagles fan that there better be multiple backup plans.