Eagles offseason coaching carousel: Tracking the news and rumors since Desai firing
Okay guys and gals, buckle up. The Philadelphia Eagles figure to take us on one heck of a ride through the offseason. No, scratch that. They have already begun doing so. At the time of this story's release, a tad over a mere seven days have elapsed since we closed the book on another season. Things began swiftly thanks to a 10-1 start. They ended with a thud, six losses in the final seven games.
Those losses include a deflating Wild Card Round loss. Yes, it's time for reflection, and Sean Desai's firing has seemingly started the process. More changes are expected. The Birds have been busy, so much so that it almost makes one's head spin.
There are no days off at the NovaCare Complex as the Eagles are scouring the NFL landscape for coaching help.
The rumor mills began churning early. We learned, despite rumors of Nick Sirianni's demise, that Philly didn't appear to be in the market for a head coach.
Nick and VP/GM Howie Roseman were working with one another to explore options for offensive and defensive assistants. Frank Reich's name entered the discussion as someone they might be interested in (January 18th).
That led us to believe that Brian Johnson might be on the way out, but by January 22nd, he has yet to be dismissed. He's been on a few lists for head-coaching opportunities but was removed from consideration for the Carolina Panthers gig.
Latest updates, rumors, and news on the Eagles' coaching search
Updates (January 21st)
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports the Eagles reached out to both former Atlanta Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen and former New York Giants DC Wink Martindale in an attempt to fill their DC vacancy.
Updates (January 22nd)
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports Matt Patricia won't return as an Eagles defensive assistant. His contract has ended. This won't be seen as bad news to Philly's fans.
Eagles assistant Brian Johnson is believed to be headed elsewhere. JAKIB Sports mainstay Derrick Gunn reports all signs indicate that he won't return as Philly's offensive coordinator.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Eagles are interviewing Ron Rivera for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
Remove Ryan Nielsen's name from the discussion. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports he is expected to join the Jacksonville Jaguars as their new defensive coordinator.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also reports that Philly will interview Mike Caldwell, potentially for a role with the defensive coaching staff.
Here's a big one. The Eagles announced Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni will meet with the media on Wednesday for Philly's end-of-season press conference. That's further evidence that it's safe to assume Nick will be back for a fourth Eagles season.
Check out each report below.
#Eagles senior defensive assistant Matt Patricia is not under contract and plans to explore other opportunities, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2024
Patricia took on play-calling last month under difficult circumstances, running someone else’s scheme with a depleted unit. He’ll be a…
As expected, the Eagles fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai. (@RapSheet first)
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 22, 2024
Over the last week, both Howie Roseman & Nick Sirianni have been reaching out to available coordinators, including former Giants DC Wink Martindale and former Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen. There are more
All indications are Brian Johnson will not be returning as the Eagles OC …. He will land elsewhere in some offensive capacity …
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunn) January 22, 2024
Jaguars are set to hire former Falcons’ defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen as their new defensive coordinator, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2024
#Eagles are set to interview former #Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell, per source. Philly looking for a new defensive coordinator.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 22, 2024
Caldwell also will speak with the Raiders for a senior defensive staff position with DC flexibility should Patrick Graham get a head coaching job.
#Eagles announced that Nick Sirianni and Howie Roseman will meet with reporters on Wednesday for their season-ending news conference, another indication the head coach is coming back for a fourth season.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 22, 2024
Updates (January 23rd)
Theories of Brian Johnson's dismissal continue as it is confirmed by Jeff McLane that Philly, indeed, intends to move on.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Philadelphia Eagles interviewed Kliff Kingsbury on Tuesday.
Updates (January 24th)
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Houston Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson interviewed for the Eagles’ offensive coordinator position. That's intriguing. You saw what he helped C.J. Stroud do this season, correct?
Bookmark this one. We'll keep you abreast of the comings and goings as Philly's staff will certainly look different next season.
More Eagles coaching carousel news, rumors and notes
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