At a Glance
- Philadelphia is courting 29-year-old Declan Doyle, the Bears’ offensive coordinator.
- Doyle was the NFL’s youngest OC last year, leading Chicago to a 32nd-rank offense.
- The Eagles’ search for a new OC after Kevin Patullo’s exit is still in early stages.
Why it matters: The Eagles’ offensive future hinges on who steps into the coordinator role, and Doyle’s rapid rise could reshape the team’s strategy.
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The Philadelphia Eagles are moving forward in their search for a new offensive coordinator after Kevin Patullo’s departure. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles have requested to interview Declan Doyle, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, for the vacancy. Doyle, 29, was hired by the Bears last season under new head coach Ben Johnson and became the youngest offensive coordinator in the league at 28.
Eagles’ Strategic Approach
The Eagles have taken a methodical route in filling the OC position. With other teams already settled, Philadelphia is casting a wide net to identify the best fit. Interviews serve two purposes:
- Gather information about candidates’ philosophies.
- Identify a coach who can lead the offense into the next era.
Even if Doyle is not ultimately hired, the conversation could elevate his profile for future opportunities.
Declan Doyle’s Profile
Doyle’s résumé is impressive for a 29-year-old:
- Bears (2024-2025): 32nd offense in 2024, 6th in 2025.
- Key victories: Beat the Packers in the wild-card round; lost to the Rams 20-17 in the divisional round.
- Role under Ben Johnson: Primary play-caller, responsible for game-plan execution.
He credited the Bears’ turnaround to a combination of coaching and player development. In an interview with the Bears’ website, Doyle said:
“I think knowledge is power,” he told the site last year. “That is what the guys care about ultimately. Last year was the first time I’ve ever actually been older than all the players in my room. This is going to be my 10th year. But that’s really kind of been a part of my journey to this point.”
He added:
“I think players care about, ‘can you help me?’ First and foremost. ‘Can you put me in a position to be successful to help the organization and my family?’ That’s earned. You have to put in the work and earn that trust and that confidence. That’s my plan here – to hit the ground running and go to work.”
Bears’ Offensive Success
During Doyle’s one season in Chicago, the Bears’ offense improved dramatically. Quarterback Caleb Williams had a career season, and the team’s offensive line and receivers executed Johnson’s game plan with precision. The Bears’ offense ranked 32nd in the NFL in 2024 and climbed to 6th in 2025, a testament to the coaching staff’s development work.
Johnson, the Bears’ head coach, remains the primary play-caller, but Doyle’s influence on play design and player utilization was significant. Their playoff run, highlighted by a win over the Packers, showcased the offensive unit’s resilience.
Coaching Experience Under Sean Payton
Before Chicago, Doyle worked closely with former Saints head coach Sean Payton:
- Denver (2023-24): Tight ends coach under Payton.
- New Orleans (2019-21): Offensive assistant.
- New Orleans (2022): Stayed one season after Payton stepped away.
These roles provided Doyle with a deep understanding of offensive schemes and player development, skills that have translated into his current success.
College Roots
Doyle’s journey began at Iowa, where he served as an offensive student assistant from 2016-18 while pursuing a degree in business management. The experience gave him a foundation in offensive strategy and player coaching that has been built upon throughout his career.
Potential Impact on the Eagles
If the Eagles hire Doyle, the team could benefit from:
- Youthful energy: A fresh perspective on play design.
- Proven success: Rapid improvement in Chicago’s offense.
- Player-centric approach: Emphasis on trust and development.
The Eagles’ offense has struggled to find consistency in recent seasons. A coordinator who can quickly implement a winning system could change that trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles are actively interviewing Declan Doyle, the Bears’ offensive coordinator.
- Doyle’s rapid rise and proven results make him a compelling candidate.
- Even if not hired, the conversation could boost his future prospects.
The outcome of this search will shape the Eagles’ offensive identity for years to come.
