Football coach studies playbook with strategy sheets and whiteboards behind him at Eagles stadium

Eagles Ax OC Patullo, Eye McDaniel or Daboll

At a Glance

  • The Eagles have moved on from offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after one season
  • Nick Sirianni will hire his fifth OC in six seasons; candidates include Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll
  • Both potential hires were 2025 head coaches now available
  • Why it matters: The choice will shape Philadelphia’s offense and Sirianni’s future

The Eagles are again searching for an offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kevin Patullo, who held the role for one season. Head coach Nick Sirianni will now hire his fifth play-caller since taking over in 2020.

The Candidates

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Philadelphia has already begun reaching out to prospective replacements, with Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll atop the list.

  • Mike McDaniel, 42, spent the past four seasons as Miami’s head coach, compiling a 35-33 record before his dismissal
  • Brian Daboll, 50, was fired mid-season by the Giants after posting a 20-40-1 record in New York

Both coaches bring extensive offensive backgrounds and familiarity with high-pressure markets.

McDaniel’s Track Record

Before his head-coaching stint, McDaniel served as run game coordinator and offensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, mastering the Shanahan outside-zone scheme. His 2023 Dolphins offense averaged over 30 points per game through mid-season before injuries struck.

Notably, McDaniel worked alongside current Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in Miami for one season, giving Philadelphia institutional knowledge of his operational style.

Daboll’s Connections

Daboll’s résumé includes a 2017 stint as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, where he coached quarterback Jalen Hurts. That familiarity could accelerate installation of a new scheme.

Mike McDaniel stands with Kyle Shanahan on 49ers field holding tablet showing zone scheme with Dolphins logo visible

He also shares history with Sirianni: in 2012, Daboll called plays for Kansas City while Sirianni coached the Chiefs’ wide receivers, creating an existing working relationship that could ease transition pains.

Sirianni’s Revolving Door

Since 2020, Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator role has resembled a turnstile:

Year Offensive Coordinator Outcome
2020 No official OC Sirianni called plays
2021 Shane Steichen Promoted to Colts head coach
2022 Brian Johnson Fired after one season
2023 Kellen Moore Mutual parting
2024 Kevin Patullo Fired after one season

The constant churn places pressure on Sirianni to find stability as quarterback Jalen Hurts enters his prime.

Why This Hire Matters

Philadelphia’s offense regressed in 2024, finishing 17th in points per game after back-to-back top-five finishes. Hurts’ passer rating dropped from 104.6 in 2022 to 88.5 last season, amplifying calls for schematic overhaul.

Ownership has prioritized offensive innovation this offseason, granting the next coordinator roster influence and play-calling autonomy-an attractive selling point for established coaches like McDaniel or Daboll.

Timeline

  • January 14: Initial candidate outreach reported
  • Next 7-10 days: In-person interviews expected in Philadelphia
  • Late January: Decision targeted before Senior Bowl

Sources told News Of Philadelphia the franchise prefers an experienced play-caller who can maximize Hurts’ dual-threat ability while integrating emerging weapons like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Key Takeaways

  • The Eagles seek a high-profile offensive mind after firing Patullo
  • McDaniel and Daboll offer contrasting styles: motion-heavy west coast versus pro-spread concepts
  • Sirianni’s job security partially hinges on stabilizing the offense
  • A hire could come within two weeks, setting the tone for free agency and draft strategy

Author

  • I’m Sarah L. Montgomery, a political and government affairs journalist with a strong focus on public policy, elections, and institutional accountability.

    Sarah L. Montgomery is a Senior Correspondent for News of Philadelphia, covering city government, housing policy, and neighborhood development. A Temple journalism graduate, she’s known for investigative reporting that turns public records and data into real-world impact for Philadelphia communities.

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *