The Philadelphia Eagles have the talent to be competitive again in 2026. Nobody's questioning that. The doubt only starts to creep in when you consider the lack of experience that new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion brings to the table.
The man tasked with constructing a scheme capable of maximizing stars like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Devonta Smith has never called plays in the NFL. Still, head coach Nick Sirianni has no doubt that his newest hire can get the job done this season.
Per NBC Sports, Sirianni said, "I’m not at all concerned there as far as his inexperience on that because he’s worked his ass off. And I know that he’ll work his ass off to be as ready as he possibly can that day."
Nick Sirianni has full confidence in Eagles OC Sean Mannion
Sirianni credited Mannion's drive for bringing him to where he is, saying, "Sean has this obsession to get better, this obsession with his craft, which is why he’s excelled in this profession. And I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with him.”
While Mannion may not have experience as an NFL play caller, he's rubbed shoulders with some of the league's best offensive minds. He was a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, playing under both Sean McVay and Kevin O'Connell.
Most recently, he spent two seasons as part of Matt LaFleur's staff with the Green Bay Packers.
All three of those coaches run similar schemes that diverge from what the Eagles have leaned on in recent years. McVay's Rams, LaFleur's Packers, and O'Connell's Vikings all lined up in shotgun formations on fewer than 62% of their snaps last season, with the Rams all the way down at 39.9%. The Eagles were near the top of the league at a 76.3% clip.
Of course, we won't know exactly what Mannion's Eagles scheme looks like until the season begins. He may adopt the tactics that have made Philly's offense successful in recent years. But just as the offensive coordinator will have to adjust to his new surroundings, players will have to adjust to him.
While the Kevin Patullo experiment will go down as a disaster, Sirianni does deserve some trust when it comes to hiring offensive coordinators. He identified Shane Steichen and Kellen Moore, both of whom have become successful head coaches.
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The Eagles' season will likely live or die with the success of Mannion's offense. If he can find a way to meld all of the talented pieces on the roster together, this team is capable of making another Super Bowl run. Sirianni certainly believes his new OC is more than capable.
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