From experienced offensive minds and play-callers to young and up-and-coming offensive coaches, the Eagles are looking at candidates from various backgrounds. They have so far been linked to at least eight names.
Let’s take a look at the coaches the Eagles could be looking at, according to reports. (Names are listed in alphabetical order.)
Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has a connection to Eagles coach Nick Sirianni.
Jim Bob Cooter
Cooter was a consultant when Sirianni first got the Eagles job in 2021 and has been Shane Steichen’s offensive coordinator in Indianapolis since 2023. The Eagles, according to Sports Illustrated, interviewed Cooter on Friday after the team requested permission to interview him.
Cooter does not call plays for the Colts, which is why this would not technically be a lateral move to the Eagles.
The Colts revived Daniel Jones’ NFL career before he suffered a season-ending injury this season. While he didn’t call plays, Cooter helped oversee what was one of the best offenses in the NFL before Jones got hurt.
Cooter, 41, was Doug Pederson’s passing game coordinator in Jacksonville during the 2022 season. He previously worked under Adam Gase with the New York Jets as the team’s running backs coach and before that worked under Jim Caldwell and Matt Patricia with the Detroit Lions. Sirianni and Cooter also worked together with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012 under Romeo Crennel. Sirianni was the wide receivers coach that season while Cooter was an offensive quality control coach.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has familiarity with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Brian Daboll
ESPN reported Sunday that the Eagles are expected to interview Daboll, who most recently was the head coach of the New York Giants before he was fired in November.
Daboll was also on that 2012 Kansas City staff with Sirianni and Cooter. He was the boss as offensive coordinator. Daboll, 50, worked with Jalen Hurts at Alabama, so there is plenty of familiarity with the coach and quarterback in Philadelphia.
That said, Daboll is also in the market for head coaching jobs, and an interesting one opened Monday morning when the Buffalo Bills fired Sean McDermott. Daboll was born in Canada and grew up in suburban Buffalo. He was the team’s offensive coordinator during the rise of Josh Allen before leaving to lead the Giants.
Daboll is one of the more experienced offensive coordinators on the market. His offenses have been up and down over the years, but when he led the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Chiefs more than a decade ago, he wasn’t working with stellar quarterback talent. His best success was with Allen, who is sort of a unicorn. Could he help Hurts turn the Eagles offense around?
Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard worked closely with quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) this season.
Josh Grizzard
The Eagles, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, plan to interview Grizzard, who was just let go by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Grizzard, 35, was the offensive coordinator for one season after joining the Bucs in 2024 as a passing game coordinator.
Before Tampa Bay, Grizzard worked with Mike McDaniel in Miami and was with the Dolphins during stints with Gase and Brian Flores, too.
Grizzard has been a fast riser. He played at Yale and was a student coach there, too. He was hired to David Cutcliffe’s staff at Duke as a 23-year-old and was there for four seasons as a graduate assistant and then a quality control coach before leaving for the NFL.
This past season was Grizzard’s first calling plays, and he oversaw a steep drop-off in Tampa after former coordinator Liam Coen departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bucs, however, dealt with multiple key injuries.
Mike Kafka was the Giants’ interim coach and knows the Eagles well.
Mike Kafka
The Eagles, according to ESPN, have already interviewed Kafka, who was Daboll’s coordinator in New York before taking over as interim head coach.
Kafka, 38, is a familiar name around here, having spent two seasons as a backup quarterback after the Eagles selected him in the fourth round of the 2010 draft.
Kafka bounced around to seven teams in six seasons before embarking on his coaching career at his alma mater, Northwestern, as a graduate assistant in 2016. He joined Andy Reid’s Chiefs coaching staff in 2017 as a quality control coach and then was Patrick Mahomes’ first position coach as a full-time starter in 2018. Mahomes’ career high in touchdowns (50) came that season, and Kafka was his quarterbacks coach through the 2021 campaign when Kafka left to become Daboll’s offensive coordinator.
The Giants, obviously, did not have a ton of offensive success under the Daboll-Kafka regime. Kafka called plays before Daboll stripped him of those duties in 2024. But Daboll gave that responsibility back to Kafka this past season. The Giants were 13th in yards per game in 2025, up from 30th in 2024. The Jaxson Dart effect.
Mike McDaniel (left) is a popular pick to become Nick Sirianni’s offensive coordinator but could also be in the running for another head coaching job.
Mike McDaniel
The Eagles’ link to McDaniel is a loose one, with ESPN’s Jeff Darlington replying “yes” to a person on X when asked if McDaniel would get an interview with the Eagles. But it’s worth including him as a candidate.
McDaniel, of course, was fired by the Dolphins after it initially appeared as if he’d return for a fifth season.
The 42-year-old went 35-33 as Dolphins head coach. Before that, McDaniel spent 11 seasons working under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, who is well respected as an offensive mind. McDaniel was San Francisco’s offensive coordinator in 2021 and helped lead the 49ers to the NFC title game.
His titles before that under Shanahan were running game coordinator, offensive assistant, and wide receivers coach. McDaniel could help revive an Eagles running game that stalled behind a weakened offensive line in 2025.
He is also a popular head coaching candidate.
Zac Robinson helped guide Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins while with Atlanta.
Zac Robinson
The Eagles interviewed Robinson on Friday, according to ESPN. They are among at least three teams who have interviewed Robinson for an OC job, joining the Bucs and Lions.
Robinson, 39, was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator for two seasons. The Falcons had a lot of success on offense in 2024 but took a step back in 2025 as quarterback Michael Penix struggled in his second NFL season (first as a starter).
Robinson, a former quarterback, was a seventh-round pick by New England in 2010 and was in the league for four seasons as a backup or practice squad player. In addition to the Patriots, he spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Robinson then became an independent coach and trainer of quarterbacks and was a senior analyst at Pro Football Focus before Sean McVay hired him in 2019. Robinson eventually became the Rams’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2022.
Bobby Slowik had initial success as the Texans’ offensive coordinator but was fired by DeMeco Ryans after the 2024 season.
Bobby Slowik
The Eagles, according to ESPN, requested to interview Slowik, Miami’s senior passing game coordinator.
Slowik, 38, is another branch on the Shanahan tree. He worked with the Shanahans in Washington from 2011 to 2013 and then, like Robinson, was a PFF analyst. Kyle Shanahan then hired Slowik in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach.
Slowik, the son of Bob Slowik, a longtime NFL coach, jumped to the offensive side of the ball in San Francisco in 2019. He was the passing game coordinator for the 2022 season before Houston hired him to be its offensive coordinator in 2023. He was with the Texans during C.J. Stroud’s impressive rookie season but oversaw a decline in 2024 that led to his firing.
Slowik then joined his pal McDaniel in Miami for the 2025 season.
Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is a wild-card candidate in the Eagles’ OC search.
Charlie Weis Jr.
As with McDaniel, the connection from Weis to the Eagles is a loose one right now. The Eagles, according to the New York Daily News, “poked around” on Weis, the 32-year-old son of longtime coach Charlie Weis.
Weis was just 28 when Lane Kiffin hired him to lead Ole Miss’ offense after the 2021 season. In four seasons at Ole Miss, Weis helped lead one of the best offenses in college football. The Rebels were second in yards per game in each of the last two seasons.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Sean McDermott arrived in Buffalo in 2017, envisioning the day of looking out his office window and seeing a throng of fans celebrating a Super Bowl victory.
That possibility ended on Monday, when McDermott was abruptly fired by team owner Terry Pegula following a nine-year tenure in which the coach transformed the Bills into perennial contenders but fell short of reaching the Super Bowl.
The move came two days after a heart-wrenching 33-30 overtime loss at Denver in the divisional round of the playoffs.
“Sean helped change the mindset of this organization and was instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team,” Pegula said. ”But I feel we are in need of a new structure within our leadership to give this organization the best opportunity to take our team to the next level.”
The new structure features general manager Brandon Beane being promoted to president of football operations. Beane will oversee his first coaching search since arriving in Buffalo five months after McDermott, who replaced Rex Ryan after two seasons in Buffalo.
Beane is expected to target an offensive-minded coach to spur an offense in which quarterback Josh Allen was too often asked to carry the burden.
Sean McDermott was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator in 2009 and 2010.
Playoff shortcomings
Despite a seven-year playoff run and Allen setting many franchise passing and scoring records and earning AP NFL MVP honors last season, the Bills advanced no further than the AFC Championship Game, which they lost both times to Kansas City in the 2020 and ’24 seasons.
Buffalo became the league’s first team to win a playoff round in six consecutive years but not reach the Super Bowl.
McDermott was aware of the shortcomings, and addressed them in August.
“We take a lot of pride in what we’ve done here. And nobody has more internal drive and internal expectations than I do or we do. And very confident in who we are,” McDermott said. “There’s one thing that remains. We know what that is. But you can’t get there tomorrow.”
Tomorrow never came.
The Bills went 12-5 in the regular season and had their five-year run atop the AFC East end, finishing second behind the New England Patriots.
McDermott’s firing is the latest in what’s become a seismic shift in the NFL’s coaching ranks this offseason. He became the 10th head coach to lose his job, joining a respected group that includes Baltimore’s John Harbaugh and Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin. Harbaugh has since been hired by the New York Giants.
The 51-year-old McDermott finished with a 98-50 regular-season record and was 8-8 in eight postseason appearances, ranking second on the team in wins behind Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy (112-70, 11-8). McDermott’s eight playoff wins are the most by any NFL coach to not include a Super Bowl berth.
A wrestling and football star at North Penn and La Salle College High School, McDermott spent the first 12 years of his NFL coaching career with the Eagles in a variety of roles, including defensive coordinator in 2009 and 2010.
To his credit, in McDermott’s first season, Buffalo sneaked into the postseason on the final day to end a 17-year drought that stood as the longest active streak in North America’s four major professional leagues.
Allen arrived a year later as a first-round draft pick to raise the franchise’s national profile to among one of the NFL’s elite.
Sean McDermott, left, and quarterback Josh Allen fell short of reaching the Super Bowl in their eight seasons together.
There is increasing urgency in Buffalo to win with Allen turning 30 in May, and with the team now moving into a newly built $2.1 billion stadium across the street from its old home.
Allen was nearly inconsolable following the loss at Denver. Choking up several times and wiping tears from his eyes, Allen stood at the podium and took the blame following the loss at Denver in which he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.
“I feel like I let my teammates down tonight,” Allen said. “It’s been a long season. I hate how it ended, and that’s going to stick with me for a long time.”
McDermott rallied to Allen’s defense. He then let his emotions show in questioning the officials’ ruling on Allen’s second interception, which ended Buffalo’s lone possession in overtime.
Receiver Brandin Cooks came down with Allen’s deep pass, but had it wrestled out of his hands by Ja’Quan McMillian. Officials ruled McMillian had the ball before Cooks was down by contact, and Denver was awarded the turnover at its 20.
“I’m standing up for Buffalo, damn it. I’m standing up for us,” McDermott said, noting he was particularly dismayed by how little time the league took to review the play.
‘13 seconds’
Each of Buffalo’s past three playoff losses have been decided by three points. And three of McDermott’s playoff losses ended in overtime.
That includes a 42-36 loss to Kansas City in the 2021 divisional round that’s become dubbed “13 seconds” — the amount of time Patrick Mahomes had to complete two passes for 44 yards and set up Harrison Butker’s tying, 49-yard field goal on the final play of regulation.
McDermott, otherwise, led a team that won 10 or more regular-season games over seven straight seasons.
He also was credited with guiding the Bills through some difficult moments. The worst came January 2023, when safety Damar Hamlin nearly died after collapsing and needing to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati.
Hamlin was one of several current and former players to express their support for McDermott following his firing. He posted a note on X referring to McDermott as “A True Leader of Men.”
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips described the firing as “stupid honestly sickening.” Former center Eric Wood posted a note that read: “Sean is a great man and will be a great hire for another organization, and I hate we couldn’t get over the hump with him as HC in Buffalo.”
McDermott moved up the NFL ranks as a defensive specialist, and was hired by Buffalo following six seasons as Carolina’s coordinator, and where Beane worked in a front office role.
Coach/GM rift?
Together, McDermott and Beane provided the Bills with stability before fractures began showing this past season.
Allen’s 3,668 yards and 25 touchdowns passing were his fewest since 2019.
The defense struggled in part because of a transition to youth and a rash of injuries. Though Buffalo’s defense finished ranked seventh in the NFL this season, the unit had difficulty stopping the run.
It’s in the playoffs where the defense was criticized for collapsing too often. Buffalo allowed 30 or more points in four of its playoff losses.
If there’s anyone who understands the position Broncos fans are in right now, it’s the Eagles.
So, naturally, Nick Foles offered a few words of encouragement to Broncos fans on Sunday, after Denver learned it had lost starting quarterback Bo Nix for the rest of the season with a broken ankle he suffered in the closing moments of Saturday’s win over Buffalo.
“Note for the Broncos and their fans: I know it has been an emotional 24 hours. I feel for Bo and the team, and I’m sending prayers for a strong recovery,” Foles wrote on X. “A positive note going into the game vs. the Patriots is that they struggle against backup QBs in championship-type games.”
Note for the Broncos and their fans: I know it has been an emotional 24 hours. I feel for Bo and the team, and I'm sending prayers for a strong recovery.
A positive note going into the game versus the Patriots is that they struggle against backup QBs in championship-type games.
Foles, of course, famously took over for Carson Wentz in 2017, after Wentz suffered a torn ACL in a Week 14 win over the Rams. Foles led the Eagles all the way to Super Bowl LII against the Patriots, and threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, plus his one receiving touchdown — the Philly Special. Foles was named Super Bowl MVP.
Nix finished the 33-30 win over Buffalo, but coach Sean Payton revealed after the game that he would miss the rest of the Broncos’ playoff run. Jarrett Stidham is expected to replace Nix for the AFC championship game against Drake Maye and the Patriots, which will be played in Denver.
Broncos fans can only hope that Stidham puts up anywhere near the caliber of performance Foles turned in. Stidham has been a backup for five seasons, including two in New England, appearing in 20 career games. The AFC championship game will be his fourth career start.
The college football season will conclude in Miami with the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night between Indiana and Miami, two teams with several NFL draft prospects to keep a close eye on.
The top names in this game include Indiana quarterback and potential top overall pick Fernando Mendoza, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain, a projected top-10 pick, and Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa, who could be one of the first offensive linemen drafted.
All three players might be out of the Eagles’ draft range at No. 23 overall, but both rosters are littered with NFL talent. Here are seven prospects the Eagles could target come April:
Of the prospects remaining in the playoff, it’s possible that no player has done more for his stock than Smith, who hasn’t allowed a pressure or a sack across 48 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The Indiana left tackle, a three-year starter, consistently gets his hands inside the frame of a pass rusher, latches on, and doesn’t let go.
Will continue to bang the drum for #Indiana LT Carter Smith. Gets those hands inside the frame, latches on and doesn't let go. Hasn't allowed a pressure across 48 pass blocking snaps in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/ntBjFym2DW
Smith‘s running-game blocking has shown flashes of improvement, too. He has the upper-body strength and strain to move defensive linemen off their spot and is a decent enough athlete to kick out players in space.
Smith has a tendency to lunge against quicker players, and his ability to handle relentless power will be tested in his matchup with Bain. But the offensive tackle has starter-level qualities and could be a long-term option at tackle for the Eagles.
Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (left) helped lead the Hurricanes to an upset win at Texas A&M in the first round.
Akheem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami
Older prospects at premium positions aren’t typically valued in the first round, but there may be no edge rusher prospect as deserving to hear his name called in Round 1 as Mesidor, who is having his best season in his sixth year of college football. With strong hand usage and a quick first step, the Miami edge rusher is relentless coming off the edge and can create havoc from multiple spots along the defensive line.
Mesidor has 19 pressures during Miami’s playoff run alone, according to Pro Football Focus, along with 3½ sacks. He can improve in setting a better edge as a run defender and likely won’t be a player you drop in coverage in the NFL, but Mesidor has game-wrecking ability and can bring instant production to an Eagles pass rushing corps that has uncertainty beyond Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.
D’Angelo Ponds, DB, Indiana
Ponds made the pick heard around the world when he intercepted Oregon’s Dante Moore on the first offensive play of the game in the CFP semifinal. He’s often the smallest player on the field (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) but plays much bigger, and has done so multiple times during Indiana’s undefeated season.
He has a fearless mindset at cornerback, challenging wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and being disruptive at the catch point. He gives up plenty of size and teams with bigger receivers try to take advantage of it, but he’s sticky in man coverage and has ideal instincts in zone to break on the football.
Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds is fearless.
I love his his trigger, aggressiveness, fluidity to stick to guys in coverage, and his instincts in Zone. pic.twitter.com/JXUVI2CL3b
He’s a reliable tackler despite his size, having missed just two tackles all season, according to PFF. He won’t be a fit for every NFL team because of his size, but his play-making ability will help him find a long-term role on a defense.
Keionte Scott, nickel/safety, Miami
When Scott was out of Miami’s lineup for two games down the season’s stretch, the defense missed his propensity to cause chaos. When he returned in the first round of the CFP against Texas A&M, Scott disrupted screens and was an effective blitzer on third downs.
Then against Ohio State in the quarterfinal matchup, he jumped a screen and took it 72 yards for a pick-six.
#Miami nickel Keionte Scott may have strengthened his draft stock the most out of any prospect during bowl season. Erases screen plays, makes plays on the football and a playmaker in space. Has a knack for making game-changing plays during this CFP run. pic.twitter.com/eNGSexb8TV
Although he has allowed 68.5% of passes thrown his way to be completed, he hasn’t surrendered a touchdown. Because he plays with his hair on fire, he takes chances and has missed 15 tackles (21.4% missed tackle rate) according to PFF. But his physicality allows him to play multiple roles in a secondary, which would be valuable for the Eagles’ depth.
Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
A quick look at Nowakowski‘s stats won’t show gaudy numbers (30 catches, 370 yards) but his impact as a blocker is invaluable to Indiana’s offense. The tight end and fullback, who spent his first five seasons of college at Wisconsin, is an outstanding run blocker and has shown the ability to block edge defenders one-on-one, insert block linebackers and safeties filling against the run, and block secondary players in space.
#Indiana TE Riley Nowakowski is so valuable for their running game with his ability to block edge defenders one-on-one and insert block to kick out linebackers or safeties filling in the run game. Teams looking for a blocking tight end who is a reliable checkdown option will get… pic.twitter.com/g4zqW74MlH
The 6-1, 249-pound prospect won’t make many people miss in the open field but is a reliable option on checkdowns and over the middle of the field. He had zero drops and caught 3 of 6 contested catch attempts this season, according to PFF.
While he won’t be a top receiving option and stands to be more consistent handling blitzers in pass protection, Nowakowski could be the kind of valuable blocking tight end the Eagles desperately needed in 2025. He also has the flexibility to align at fullback on under-center formations.
Anez Cooper, OG, Miami
Cooper has started at right guard for Miami for the last three years and provides a physical presence as a run blocker. The 6-6, 345-pound lineman thrives blocking in close quarters and has powerful hands and grip strength, and has made highlight-reel blocks in space when he can square up second- and third-level players.
If #Miami RG Anez Cooper gets a chance to square up player in open space, look out. Thrives in tight quarters, cleans up the pocket, and grip strength that's tough to disengage from. Will be fun to watch him against Indiana's D-line on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/5VxQlRdx5N
Moving laterally and redirecting on passing downs are not Cooper’s strengths, and he struggles staying square when passing off defensive line stunts. But his run-blocking demeanor will be coveted by teams with gap-scheme running offenses. He has allowed just one sack and 12 pressures in 483 pass blocking snaps, according to PFF, and could provide depth for an Eagles offensive line in need of more players who thrive as downhill blockers.
Pat Coogan (right) was a critical piece of Heisman Trophy Winner Francisco Mendoza’s success this season.
Pat Coogan, center, Indiana
Coogan has garnered praise throughout the playoff, beginning with his Rose Bowl MVP award in Indiana’s CFP quarterfinal win over Alabama, and his film backs it up. The center, who has a rugged play style, does not have the athleticism the Eagles have coveted at the position, but he is a savvy blocker who takes great angles in the running game and anticipates defensive line stunts in pass protection.
The fifth-year player began his career at Notre Dame, showcasing his versatility by making starts at both guard and center. His lack of foot quickness causes him to overextend against quicker players and he doesn’t always mirror pass rushers well in one-on-one scenarios. Coogan thrives, though, working on double teams up to linebackers and would be a depth option at both guard and center, which would be valuable for the Eagles, who struggled with injuries on their interior line.
Went back and watched the film, #Indiana Center Pat Coogan had a fantastic performance vs. Oregon. Pulling in space, working well on double-teams up to LBs, overtaking players in pass pro and picking up blitzing linebackers, blocking even when his helmet is knocked off. https://t.co/FEXHiTE1rIpic.twitter.com/cbcBdmVywn
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott celebrates an extra point during the third quarter of the Philadelphia Eagles game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
The Eagles' season ended sooner than expected with a loss to the 49ers in the wild-card round. Now the Birds will try to assemble a roster that can help them get back to their Super Bowl standard. Beat writer Jeff McLane makes his picks on what personnel decisions he sees the team making this offseason.
Make your pick for each player by swiping the cards below — right for Stay or left for Go. Yes, just like Tinder. Finding it hard to decide? We'll also show you how other Inquirer readers have voted so far and what we think the team will do.
Advertisement
Quarterbacks
The biggest question here (for a second straight year) is whether Tanner McKee will stick around as the backup.
#1
Jalen
Hurts
Crowd says
Height
6'1"
Weight
223lb.
Age
27
Inky Says Stay
We've seen what he can accomplish with a good coordinator. But he needs help in the drop-back game if he's going to elevate.
#14
Sam
Howell
Crowd says
Height
6'1"
Weight
220lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Go
Tanner McKee's broken hand in camp forced the Eagles to trade for him before the season. He's a free agent and should get a backup opportunity elsewhere.
#19
Kyle
McCord
Rookie
Crowd says
Height
6'3"
Weight
218lb.
Age
23
Inky Says Go
He had a rough first camp, but a full season to watch and learn may help. His return may depend on the new coordinator and scheme.
#16
Tanner
McKee
Crowd says
Height
6'6"
Weight
231lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Stay
It's not fair to base an evaluation solely on the finale. But it's unlikely the Eagles will receive attractive enough offers to trade.
A.J. Brown’s long-term future with the Eagles might be the biggest question of the 2026 offseason.
#80
Darius
Cooper
Rookie
Crowd says
Height
5'11"
Weight
210lb.
Age
24
Inky Says Stay
The undrafted rookie was used mostly as a run blocker, but he has some receiving upside. He'll be back.
#11
A.J.
Brown
Crowd says
Height
6'1"
Weight
226lb.
Age
28
Inky Says Stay
His future is the question of the offseason. By his standards, he didn't have a good season and may have lost a half-step. He still projects as one of the best. There's also a significant cap charge.
#18
Britain
Covey
Crowd says
Height
5'8"
Weight
173lb.
Age
28
Inky Says Stay
It took too long, but when he was promoted to the active roster the return game was given a boost.
#2
Jahan
Dotson
Crowd says
Height
5'11"
Weight
184lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Go
It must have been tough running all those for-the-love-of-the-game routes. He was just too slight to make an impact as the third receiver.
#6
DeVonta
Smith
Crowd says
Height
6'0"
Weight
170lb.
Age
27
Inky Says Stay
He was maybe the one guy on offense who met expectations. If A.J. Brown leaves, he should be the bona fide No. 1.
#85
Terrace
Marshall
Crowd says
Height
6'2"
Weight
200lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Go
The Eagles need more young receivers with upside. He doesn't satisfy that need.
#86
Quez
Watkins
Crowd says
Height
6'0"
Weight
193lb.
Age
27
Inky Says Go
After a few post-Eagles years in the NFL wilderness, he returned to the practice squad.
#89
Johnny
Wilson
Crowd says
Height
6'6"
Weight
228lb.
Age
24
Inky Says Stay
The Eagles lost their best blocking receiver in training camp. He should return in that role.
Some big names could be moving on here, as Nakobe Dean and Jaelan Phillips appear set to test the market.
#53
Zack
Baun
Pro Bowl
Crowd says
Height
6'3"
Weight
225lb.
Age
29
Inky Says Stay
He proved that 2024 wasn't a fluke and his contract guarantees he's here through 2027.
#30
Jihaad
Campbell
Rookie
Crowd says
Height
6'3"
Weight
235lb.
Age
21
Inky Says Stay
He handled his demotion with grace, but the former first-rounder needs to be in the lineup next season. Can he be a hybrid?
#59
Chance
Campbell
Crowd says
Height
6'2"
Weight
232lb.
Age
26
Inky Says Stay
He provided good looks on the scout team and should probably get a look-see in training camp. Making the 53-man roster is another thing.
#17
Nakobe
Dean
Crowd says
Height
5'11"
Weight
231lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Go
A few years ago, it would have been a no-brainer to retain him. But the Eagles have Campbell in the wings and their most depth at off-ball linebacker in years.
#58
Jalyx
Hunt
Crowd says
Height
6'3"
Weight
252lb.
Age
24
Inky Says Stay
Eagles' scouting deserves accolades for plucking this former safety out of anonymity. He did it all in his second season. The future is bright.
#48
Patrick
Johnson
Crowd says
Height
6'2"
Weight
248lb.
Age
27
Inky Says Go
Practice squad Patrick has been a loyal soldier for five on-and-off years. He wasn't getting call-ups late in the season.
#42
Smael
Mondon Jr.
Rookie
Crowd says
Height
6'2"
Weight
224lb.
Age
22
Inky Says Stay
He'll be a depth piece who can play special teams for years, if need be.
#13
Azeez
Ojulari
Crowd says
Height
6'3"
Weight
240lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Go
It's hard to see him wanting to be back when it was clear the Eagles slow-played his return from a hamstring injury.
#50
Jaelan
Phillips
Crowd says
Height
6'5"
Weight
266lb.
Age
26
Inky Says Go
He started strong and then leveled out. Vic Fangio likes him, but is he worth the squeeze when others will pay?
#3
Nolan
Smith Jr.
Crowd says
Height
6'2"
Weight
238lb.
Age
24
Inky Says Stay
The triceps injury lingered into the season. He plays with great effort, but size and durability remain concerns.
#54
Jeremiah
Trotter Jr.
Crowd says
Height
6'0"
Weight
225lb.
Age
23
Inky Says Stay
He could probably start at middle linebacker for a number of teams, but will likely have to watch for another season.
#0
Joshua
Uche
Crowd says
Height
6'3"
Weight
226lb.
Age
27
Inky Says Go
The trade for Jaelan Phillips and Brandon Graham's unretirement marginalized him. He'll likely want to explore other options.
#43
Ben
VanSumeren
Crowd says
Height
6'2"
Weight
231lb.
Age
25
Inky Says Go
It will be tough to return from back-to-back season-ending knee injuries, but I wouldn't count him out.
CHICAGO — Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams survived an incredible throw by Caleb Williams that forced overtime, beating the Chicago Bears 20-17 on Sunday night to advance to the NFC championship game.
Harrison Mevis kicked a 42-yard field goal in OT after Kam Curl intercepted a deep pass by Williams on the Bears’ first possession of the extra period. Stafford completed a 16-yard pass to Puka Nacua to get the Rams into field-goal range and set up Mevis, known as the “Thiccer Kicker,” for the game-ending kick. He was mobbed by teammates while a crowd that was rocking earlier watched in near silence.
The Rams (14-5) will visit NFC West rival Seattle next Sunday in their first trip to the conference championship game since the 2021 team won the Super Bowl. The Seahawks beat San Francisco 41-6 on Saturday.
“It was crazy,” Stafford said. “It was back and forth. We didn’t play our best on offense. Our defense dominated the game. It was unbelievable to watch. Hell of a play on fourth down by Caleb to get his team to overtime. And just glad we got the ball back.”
Los Angeles led 17-10 in the final minute and the Bears faced fourth-and-4 from the 14-yard line when Williams backpedaled to avoid the pass rush and heaved the ball to Cole Kmet for the tying touchdown with 18 seconds left. Although officially a 14-yard pass, the ball traveled 51.2 yards in the air, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
Williams threw for two touchdowns but was intercepted three times as the Bears (12-7) — who pulled off seven fourth-quarter comeback wins under first-year coach Ben Johnson — came up short this time. They won the NFC North after finishing last in the division a year ago.
Stafford led a 91-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, with Kyren Williams scoring from the 5 to give the Rams a 17-10 lead with 8:50 remaining. Nacua kept the possession going on the previous play with a 2-yard run on fourth-and-5.
The Bears then drove to the 2, but Omar Speights broke up Williams’ fourth-down pass to Luther Burden just inside the goal line.
Chicago got the ball back at midfield with just under two minutes remaining after Ethan Evans shanked a 33-yard punt, setting up Williams’ heroics.
In overtime, the Bears won the toss and deferred. They quickly got the ball back when the Rams went three-and-out, forced to punt after Blake Corum was stopped for a 1-yard loss on third-and-1 at the 36.
Chicago took over at the 16. Williams kept the drive going with a 3-yard keeper on fourth-and-1 near midfield. But Curl picked off Williams’ pass intended for DJ Moore two plays later.
Stafford was 20 of 42 for 258 yards and took four sacks. Nacua had 56 yards receiving after going for 111 in a wild-card win over Carolina, and Kyren Williams ran for 87 yards and two scores.
Caleb Williams completed 23 of 42 passes for 257 yards. Moore had a touchdown catch, and D’Andre Swift ran for 76 yards.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Mike Vrabel returned to New England on a mission to have the franchise playing again in meaningful games in January — as he did so often as a player.
In his first year as the head coach, he wanted to do it by building a culture of players that wanted to perform for each another. Their most complete team effort of the season has the Patriots one win from a trip to the Super Bowl.
Drake Maye threw three touchdown passes in the snow and rain, Marcus Jones returned one of C.J. Stroud’s four interceptions for a score and the Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 on Sunday to advance to the AFC championship game for the first time in seven years.
The Patriots (16-3) will take on the Broncos (15-3) in Denver next Sunday, with the winner advancing to the NFL’s title game in three weeks.
“Everybody’s stepping up. We’re using everybody. Everybody’s making plays. Everybody’s helping us win,” said Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a playmaking linebacker for the Patriots. “I’m excited for these guys, but also, they’re not satisfied, and I can tell that.”
The Patriots — winners of 15 of their last 16 games — will make their 16th conference championship game appearance and first since their run to their sixth Super Bowl title under Bill Belichick in the 2018 season. New England has won its last nine divisional round games.
Maye finished 16 of 27 for 179 yards, but had an interception and fumbled four times, losing two in cold conditions in which snow and rain fell throughout. One of Maye’s fumbles set up Houston’s first touchdown.
“Just proud of the guys,” Maye said. “Battled the elements. This is New England. This is what we’re trying to embrace and we want to embrace all season long. Props to our defense, played a hell of a game. We’ve got to protect the football better, but we made enough plays to win it.”
Carlton Davis III had two interceptions for New England. Craig Woodson added an interception and fumble recovery.
New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) returns an interception for a touchdown against Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
“They bring it every week,” Maye said of his defense. “It’s fun to watch. And we could help them out some more, but just proud of the guys. Enjoy this one, and we’re back on the road.”
The eight combined turnovers — Woody Marks also lost a fumble for Houston — were the most in a playoff game since 2015 when the Cardinals and Panthers combined for eight in the NFC championship game.
The Texans (13-6) have lost in the divisional round in three straight seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans. The franchise fell to 0-7 in this round.
“It’s tough to win a game when you turn the ball over five times,” Ryans said.
Stroud finished 20 of 47 with a TD pass. All of his interceptions came in the first half as he became the first player with five or more INTs and five or more fumbles in a single postseason. Will Anderson forced two fumbles for the Texans.
New England Patriots linebacker K’lavon Chaisson, right, hits Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
“I feel like I let people down,” Stroud said. “I’m not happy with that. It hurts. I’m not used to it.”
Leading 21-16 in the fourth quarter, the Patriots stretched their lead to 27-16 when Kayshon Boutte got behind Derek Stingley Jr. and pulled in a diving, one-hand catch in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
The Texans had the ball with 5:48 to play, but punted on fourth-and-18 at their own 21 with 4:18 remaining.
New England’s next drive took the clock under two minutes. But the Texans turned it over on downs when Stroud’s fourth-down pass to Xavier Hutchinson was batted down by Robert Spillane.
The Patriots now go back on the road, where they are 8-0 this season.
“We feel like we deserve to be here,” Maye said. “I like our chances with those guys in the locker room.”
Early action
With the Patriots leading 7-3 early, a series of miscues produced the next two scores.
Maye was strip-sacked by Danielle Hunter deep in Patriots territory, but left tackle Will Campbell fell on the ball and the Patriots punted.
The Texans gave it right back when Stroud’s deep pass along the sideline was intercepted by Davis III.
Maye fumbled again when he attempted to run on a busted play and had the ball stripped by Tommy Togiai and recovered by Azeez Al-Shaair. Six plays later, Stroud linked up with Christian Kirk on a 10-yard touchdown pass.
But on Houston’s next drive, Stroud was rushed up the middle by K’Lavon Chaisson and he lofted a pass that was intercepted by Jones and returned for the score to put New England back in front.
Later in the quarter, the Patriots’ lead increased to 21-10 when they capped a five-play, 56-yard drive with a 7-yard TD pass from Maye to Stefon Diggs.
Mr. Pick-6
Jones scored on an interception return for the second time this season. It was the first of his career in the playoffs and first for New England in the postseason since Asante Samuel had one vs. Indianapolis on Jan. 21, 2007, in the AFC championship game.
Injuries
Texans: TE Dalton Schultz (calf) left in the first quarter and didn’t return. … LG Tytus Howard limped off in the second quarter. … TE Cade Stover left in the fourth with a knee injury and didn’t return.
Patriots: LB Robert Spillane left in the first quarter with a thumb injury, but returned. … RB TreVeyon Henderson was shaken up after a second quarter run before jogging off. … S Craig Woodson exited after his INT with a head injury, but returned. … RB Rhamondre Stevenson left in the second quarter with an eye issue. … Davis injured his head in the fourth quarter.
For Eagles fans, the end came suddenly, even if the signs were there all along. That doesn’t make the loss any easier to handle. Now that it’s all over, perhaps you’re confused and consumed by strong, unexpected emotions.
story continues after advertisement
The doctor is in
Pull up a chair. Here is a guide to identifying the five stages of grief for Eagles fans.
Denial
The first reaction to loss is denial — “How many times are they going to keep running four verticals against a quarters defense??” Your refusal to accept reality could be a psychological defense mechanism to avoid intense emotional pain, but football is a painful sport.
Anger
Anger is the birthright of a true Philadelphia sports fan. Just remember that venting your anger on other people (or homes of Eagles’ coaches) is off-limits. Whether to take out your frustrations on your TV is up to you, your significant other, and your budget.
Bargaining
If you find yourself saying something like “I’d give up my first-born child for another Super Bowl win,” perhaps amend the proposition to substitute a relative of lesser importance.
Depression
If the Eagles losing a playoff game has made you mournful and sullen, giving you feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, then welcome to life as a Philadelphia sports fan.
Acceptance
After cycling through the other stages of grief, you’ll come to this conclusion: Two Super Bowl wins in the last nine seasons is not too shabby.
story continues after advertisement
Of course, once you arrive at acceptance and you’re ready to move on to next season, we’ve got plenty of Eagles content to get you ready for the offseason.
Staff Contributors
Design: Steve Madden
Reporting: John Duchneskie
Digital Editing: Matt Mullin
Copy Editing: Tony Moss
(()=>{var R=(e,t)=>()=>(t||e((t={exports:{}}).exports,t),t.exports);var M=R(s=>{var G={0:”Jan.”,1:”Feb.”,2:”March”,3:”April”,4:”May”,5:”June”,6:”July”,7:”Aug.”,8:”Sept.”,9:”Oct.”,10:”Nov.”,11:”Dec.”};function y(e){return e===void 0&&(e=new Date),G[e.getMonth()]}var W={0:”Jan”,1:”Feb”,2:”Mar”,3:”Apr”,4:”May”,5:”Jun”,6:”Jul”,7:”Aug”,8:”Sep”,9:”Oct”,10:”Nov”,11:”Dec”};function S(e){return e===void 0&&(e=new Date),W[e.getMonth()]}function r(e){return e==null}function x(e){return typeof e==”number”&&isFinite(e)}function u(e){return x(e)&&Math.floor(e)===e}var Y=[“one”,”two”,”three”,”four”,”five”,”six”,”seven”,”eight”,”nine”],U=[“million”,”billion”,”trillion”,”quadrillion”,”quintillion”,”sextillion”,”septillion”,”octillion”,”nonillion”,”decillion”],b=[“th”,”st”,”nd”,”rd”,”th”,”th”,”th”,”th”,”th”,”th”],_=[11,12,13];function L(e){if(r(e))return””;var t=+e;return u(t)?_.indexOf(t%100)>-1?b[0]:b[t%10]:””}var Z=[“first”,”second”,”third”,”fourth”,”fifth”,”sixth”,”seventh”,”eighth”,”ninth”],K=new RegExp(/s+([^s]*)s*$/);s.apdate=function(e){return e===void 0&&(e=new Date),y(e)+” “+e.getDate()+”, “+e.getFullYear()},s.apdatetab=function(e){return e===void 0&&(e=new Date),S(e)+” “+e.getDate()+”, “+e.getFullYear()},s.apmonth=y,s.apmonthtab=S,s.apnumber=function(e){if(r(e))return””;var t=+e;return u(t)?t=10?e.toString():Y[t-1]:e.toString()},s.aptime=function(e){e===void 0&&(e=new Date);var t,n,o=e.getHours(),i=e.getMinutes(),a=i===0;if(a){if(o===0)return”midnight”;if(o===12)return”noon”}return o0?o:12):(t=”p.m.”,n=o===12?o:o-12),a?n+” “+t:n+”:”+(i<10?"0"+i:i)+" "+t},s.capfirst=function(e){if(r(e))return"";var t=String(e);return""+t.charAt(0).toUpperCase()+t.slice(1)},s.intcomma=function(e){if(r(e))return"";var t,n=+e;return x(n)?((t=n.toString().split("."))[0]=t[0].replace(/B(?=(d{3})+(?!d))/g,","),t.join(".")):e.toString()},s.intword=function(e){if(r(e))return"";var t=+e;if(!u(t))return e.toString();var n=Math.abs(t);if(n<1e6)return e.toString();var o=Math.ceil(Math.log(n+1)/Math.LN10)-1,i=o-o%3,a=t/Math.pow(10,i);return(a=Math.round(10*a)/10)+" "+U[Math.floor(i/3)-2]},s.ordinal=function(e,t){if(t===void 0&&(t=!1),r(e))return"";var n=+e;return u(n)?t&&n{n||(n=document.querySelector(“head”));let o=document.createElement(“script”);o.type=”text/javascript”,o.src=e,t&&(o.onload=t),n.appendChild(o)},A=()=>(window.PMNdataLayer?.[0]!==void 0&&window.PMNdataLayer[0])?.analytics?.user?.state===”Subscribed”,T=()=>{let t=(window.PMNdataLayer?.[0]!==void 0&&window.PMNdataLayer[0])?.analytics?.user?.state;return window.location.host.includes(“zzz-systest”)||window.location.host.includes(“pmn.arcpublishing.com”)||window.location.host.includes(“stage.fusion.inquirer.com”)||typeof t>”u”},q=()=>{let t=(window.PMNdataLayer?.[0]!==void 0&&window.PMNdataLayer[0])?.analytics?.user?.hasAdsFreeReading;return!!(t&&t==1)},m=()=>window.location.host.includes(“localhost”);var Q=()=>{q()&&document.querySelectorAll(“.js-adbox”).forEach(t=>{t.classList.add(“is-hidden”)})},k={init:()=>{Q()}};var c,E,V=()=>{c=document.getElementById(“js-inno-toast”)},X=e=>{if(!c)return;c.innerHTML=e,c.classList.add(“is-active”);let t=()=>{c.addEventListener(“transitionend”,ee,{once:!0}),c.classList.remove(“is-active”)};clearTimeout(E),E=setTimeout(t,5e3)},ee=()=>{c.innerHTML=””},l={init:()=>{V()},showToast:X};var p,j=!1,te=async()=>new Promise(e=>{setTimeout(()=>{console.log(“simulating createShareLink for localhost”),e(“https://inquirer.com/interactives”),ne()},100)}),ne=()=>{let e=document.querySelector(“.js-gift-toast-receiver”);!e||!(e instanceof HTMLElement)||setTimeout(()=>{let t=e?.querySelector(“span”);t&&(t.innerHTML=”Gift link copied to clipboard“)},20)},oe=()=>{let e=window.services?.createShareLink;e&&(p=e),m()&&(p=te),p&&se()},ie=async e=>{let t=”text/plain”,n=async()=>{try{return await p(window.location.pathname)}catch{e.dataset.state=”error”,l.showToast(“Hmm, we couldn’t generate a gift link…”)}},o=new ClipboardItem({[t]:n()});await navigator.clipboard.write([o]).catch(i=>{console.log(i),l.showToast(“Couldn’t copy to clipboard, try again?”),e.dataset.state=”error”}),l.showToast(“Gift link copied to clipboard!”),e.dataset.state=”complete”},se=()=>{document.querySelectorAll(“.js-gift”).forEach(t=>{(A()||m()||T())&&t.classList.add(“is-available”)}),document.querySelectorAll(“.js-gift-button”).forEach(t=>{t instanceof HTMLButtonElement&&t.addEventListener(“click”,()=>{t.classList.contains(“disabled”)||(t.dataset.state=”loading”,j=!0,ie(t),setTimeout(()=>{t.dataset.state=”ready”},2e3))})});let e=document.querySelector(“.js-gift-toast-receiver”);!e||!(e instanceof HTMLElement)||re(e)},re=e=>{new MutationObserver(n=>{for(let o of n){let i=[…o.addedNodes].at(0);if(!(i instanceof HTMLElement))return;j&&l.showToast(i.outerHTML)}}).observe(e,{subtree:!0,childList:!0})},P={init:()=>{oe()}};var ae=()=>{window.addEventListener(“message”,e=>{if(e.data[“datawrapper-height”]){let t=e.data[“datawrapper-height”];for(let n in t)document.querySelector(`#datawrapper-chart-${n}`).setAttribute(“height”,t[n])}})},ce=()=>{document.querySelectorAll(“.js-datawrapper-graphic”).forEach(e=>{h(`https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/${e.dataset.id}/embed.js`,null,e)})},le=()=>{window.addEventListener(“message”,e=>{let t=e.data;document.querySelectorAll(`iframe[src*=”${t.id}”]`).forEach(o=>{o.style.height=`${t.height}px`})},!1)},de=()=>{document.querySelectorAll(“.js-pym-graphic”).forEach(e=>{if(typeof window{new window.pym.Parent(e.id,e.dataset.iframe)};typeof window.pym>”u”?h(“https://pym.nprapps.org/pym.v1.min.js”,t):t()}})},D={init:()=>{ae(),ce(),de(),le()}};var d,ue=()=>{document.querySelectorAll(“.js-hover”).forEach(e=>{e.addEventListener(“click”,()=>{C(e)}),e.addEventListener(“mouseenter”,()=>{C(e)}),e.addEventListener(“mouseout”,()=>{I(e)})}),window.addEventListener(“scroll”,()=>{d!==null&&pe()})},pe=()=>{(d>window.scrollY+100||d{I(e)})},C=e=>{e.classList.add(“is-visible”),d=window.scrollY},I=e=>{e.classList.remove(“is-visible”),d=null},N={init:()=>{ue()}};var f,fe=(e,t)=>{f=f||window.PMNdataLayer,f?f.push({event:”misc_event”,eventAction:e,eventLabel:t}):window.location.hostname.includes(“localhost”)?console.log(“Analytics event:”,e,t,”(not actually being sent due to localhost)”):console.log(“Failed to push analytics event”,e,t)},H={event:(e,t)=>{fe(e,t)}};var $=1,v=class{constructor(t){this.el=t,this.contentPosition=”default”,this.possibleSteps=new Array,this.currentStep=null,this.offset=window.innerHeight*.9,this.instanceOfSteps=$,$++,this.setPossibleSteps(),this.updateContent(),this.bindings()}setPossibleSteps(){this.el.querySelectorAll(“.js-steps-step”).forEach(t=>{t.dataset.step&&this.possibleSteps.push(t.dataset.step)})}bindings(){window.addEventListener(“scroll”,()=>{this.updateContent()}),window.addEventListener(“resize”,()=>{this.updateContent()})}updateContent(){this.updateCurrentStep()}updateCurrentStep(){let t;if(this.el.querySelectorAll(“.js-steps-step”).forEach((o,i)=>{o.getBoundingClientRect().top{let w=”is-“+i,g=”is-“+a;this.possibleSteps.indexOf(i){document.querySelectorAll(“.js-steps”).forEach(e=>{new v(e)})}};var he=()=>{},O={init:()=>{he()}};var B={init:()=>{k.init?.(),P.init?.(),D.init?.(),N.init?.(),F.init?.(),O.init?.(),l.init?.()}};var me=()=>{},z={init:()=>{me()}};var ve=document.querySelector(“.js-inno”),J=()=>{B.init(),z.init()};ve?J():new MutationObserver((t,n)=>{if(document.querySelector(“.js-inno”)){n.disconnect(),J();return}}).observe(document,{attributes:!0,childList:!0,subtree:!0});})();
Nick Sirianni is the son of a high school football coach and a mentee of a Division III football coach. Everyone knows this about him.
When he speaks publicly, he frequently sprinkles in references to his father, Fran, and his nine years in charge of the program at Southwest Central High School in western New York. He talks of lessons learned from his years as a player and assistant under Larry Kehres at the University of Mount Union (it was Mount Union College when Sirianni was there) in northeast Ohio.
If one of Sirianni’s greatest weaknesses as an NFL head coach is that he’s often too impulsive and emotional, maybe it’s because there’s a fine line between small town and small-time, and he can’t help himself from crossing it. Still, he ain’t changin’ now, and in an honest appraisal of Sirianni’s five years with the Eagles, one can make the case that his background might be one of his greatest strengths.
Eagles executive vice president and general manager Howie Roseman (left) says the Eagles are fortunate to have an “elite” coach in Nick Sirianni.
If nothing else, it might be one of the reasons that he’s still in this position and, if Howie Roseman was to be believed Thursday, will be for more than a minute.
“Obviously,” Roseman said, “I sit here, and I feel incredibly grateful that I’m working with someone who … is elite at being a head coach, elite at building connections with our team, elite talking about fundamentals, game management, situational awareness, bringing the team together, holding people accountable. When you’re looking for a head coach, those are really the job descriptions.”
They’re not much different from the job descriptions of a head coach at any level of football, and for all the suggestions that Sirianni is nothing but an empty hoodie, those qualities still matter at the sport’s highest level.
What’s more — and this is the important part as far as Sirianni’s future is concerned — they allow him to be flexible, to contour himself both to what the team needs in a given season … and what he needs to do to survive.
Think about Sirianni for a moment in contrast to his predecessor, Doug Pederson. It’s no secret that Roseman and Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie want a head coach who aligns with their thinking on how to win games. Boiled down, a head coach here doesn’t have much independence or power relative to others around the NFL. (The last time Lurie gave a coach such freedom, Chip Kelly started making holiday party-related demands, and Pat Shurmur ended up coaching the 2015 season finale.)
Pederson had been hired as an offensive guy, and he accepted that label and that arrangement right up until he and his team won Super Bowl LII in February 2018. Six months later, his memoir hit stores. At the end of the 2019 season, he asserted in a news conference that embattled assistants Mike Groh and Carson Walch would return — only to have Lurie say, Not so fast, Dougie.
The Eagles relationship with former coach Doug Pederson (left) shares contrasts to Nick Sirianni’s time as head coach.
One day after Pederson endorsed them, Groh and Walch were gone. A year later, after a 4-11-1 season, so was Pederson. So much for assertiveness, and so much for the notion that Pederson’s status as the orchestrator and often the lead play-caller for the Eagles’ offense would preserve his job. Once Carson Wentz and the offense collapsed, what reason was there to keep Pederson?
Because Sirianni’s personality is more tempestuous than Pederson’s, it was always fair to wonder whether, if he ever found himself in the same post-championship situation, he might try to flex a little bit, too. But he did the opposite Thursday, explaining why his close friend Kevin Patullo was no longer the offensive coordinator, suggesting that he would be open to having the new OC have the kind of say-so over the unit that Vic Fangio has over the defense.
“You’re looking to continue to evolve as an offense,” he said, “and I’m looking to bring in the guy [who is] going to best help us do that. I think that there are many different ways to be successful on offense, and everybody has different styles. Everybody has different players. And there’s many different ways to be successful.”
The cynical way to look at this, of course, is that A) Sirianni is acting out of self-preservation; and B) his presence acts as a Kevlar vest for Roseman, protecting him from any public-relations damage if he messes up the assembling of the Eagles’ roster. As great a general manager as Roseman has been, he still makes mistakes. And on those rare occasions when he makes more than his share, the perception that Sirianni is handed an outstanding team every year and that all he can do is screw it up sure takes a lot of heat off the guy who is calling the player-personnel shots.
There’s another prism through which to view Sirianni, though: that he doesn’t have to control every aspect of a team, or even one specific aspect of a team, to do his job and do it well. He doesn’t need to pick the players, design the offense, call the plays.
He’ll delegate responsibility, trust his people, fill in the gaps where he can and should. He’ll take the guys who happen to be on his team that particular year and play that particular hand. Sounds like what a high school or small-college coach does. Sounds like a formula to last a while with this particular franchise.
The Eagles bowed out of the playoffs in the wild-card round, setting in motion an offseason that likely will feature a lot of change. Players and coaches will come and go, and the team won’t look the same when it takes the field for training camp in July. Some of that began right away, when offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was relieved of his duties two days after the season ended.
We’ll keep you updated on the entire Eagles offseason at The Inquirer with news and analysis on the team as it goes through a critical offseason.
Is a new deal in the cards for tight end Dallas Goedert coming off a career season?
Roster decisions
Scheduled free agents
The Eagles have 20 pending free agents, 10 on offense, nine on defense, and punter Braden Mann.
Offense
TE Dallas Goedert: Goedert reworked his deal last offseason to stay with the Eagles and scored to a career-best 11 touchdowns, an Eagles tight end record. Considering the Eagles don’t have any tight ends on the roster, they may look to bring the 31-year-old back after he got through the season relatively healthy.
WR Jahan Dotson: The little-used third receiver could find a new home this offseason. WR3 is a tough position on this team behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and it seems unlikely the Eagles will find it worth bringing Dotson back.
OT Fred Johnson: Johnson left for free agency after last season, but the Eagles traded for him before the season for some insurance at tackle, and they needed it. It remains to be seen how the Eagles approach the draft and free agency, but Johnson’s return would put an experienced body on the depth chart.
TE Grant Calcaterra: As mentioned, the Eagles don’t have any tight ends. Calcaterra has been productive when the Eagles use him as a pass catcher, but he’s not a great blocker, and the Eagles need their tight ends to block.
OL Brett Toth: The do-it-all lineman has been a valuable asset in Jeff Soutland’s offensive line room. He can fill in at any position.
TE Kylen Granson: Granson was a big part of the Eagles’ special teams, despite having a limited role in the offense. The tight end position is in flux, but Granson could return as a depth piece.
OL Matt Pryor: The Eagles brought back a familiar and experienced face in the offseason for some depth. Pryor gave that and provided positional versatility. But he wasn’t all that great in relief.
RB AJ Dillon: Dillon started the season in the mix to get snaps behind Saquon Barkley, but he fell out of favor after the Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby. Dillon was inactive for most of the second half of the season and logged just 12 carries. The Eagles are pretty set at running back with Barkley, Bigsby, and Will Shipley.
QB Sam Howell: The Eagles weren’t comfortable with Kyle McCord as QB3, so they acquired Howell before the season. Will McCord be ready after spending the 2025 season on the practice squad?
FB Ben VanSumeren: VanSumeren changed positions from linebacker to fullback and made the 53-man roster, but his season ended on the opening kickoff in Week 1. The Eagles signed Kansas City’s Carson Steele to a futures contract. Will they bring back VanSumeren and have a fullback competition?
The Eagles got a good look at linebacker Jaelan Phillips after acquiring him at midseason.
Defense
EDGE Jaelan Phillips: The deadline acquisition stepped in right away and was a difference-maker along the defensive line. The Eagles need a top-end edge rusher to add to a unit that has Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith under contract. Phillips would make sense.
LB Nakobe Dean: Dean returned from patellar tendon surgery in the middle of the season and looked like he didn’t miss a beat. But the Eagles drafted his replacement last season in Jihaad Campbell.
S Reed Blankenship: Blankenship has been a big part of the defense for the last four years. He has started 50 games and is a leader. The Eagles are thin at safety, but it remains to be seen what Blankenship’s market looks like and if the Eagles will be in the mix.
CB Adoree’ Jackson: Jackson was up and down in training camp and to start the season, but he played his way into a starting job opposite Quinyon Mitchell. He’ll be 31 next season, and the Eagles probably want to get better at CB2.
S Marcus Epps: Epps stepped in as a starter after Drew Mukuba went down. He’ll be 30 before the season starts, though he could find his way back to the Eagles and compete for a job.
EDGE Brandon Graham: Graham came out of retirement and briefly changed positions when Jalen Carter went down and the interior needed a boost. Will he go back into retirement?
EDGE Joshua Uche: Uche seemed to be playing his way into a bigger role when the Eagles brought Graham out of retirement, which forced Uche to a lesser role. The Eagles are thin on the edge, though Uche seems to be more of a depth piece right now.
EDGE Azeez Ojulari: Ojulari ended up behind Uche on the depth chart and then missed most of the season after being placed on injured reserve.
EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo: Okoronkwo made the team out of training camp as a depth edge rusher but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4, the only game in which he played.
Special teams
P Braden Mann: Mann had a great season. He ranked fifth in the NFL in punt average (49.9 yards). It would make sense for the Eagles to want to bring him back.
Jordan Davis, left, and Jalen Carter could both be in consideration for new deals.
New deals?
There are a few players under contract who could be in the running for a new contract with the Eagles.
DT Jordan Davis: The Eagles picked up Davis’ fifth-year option last offseason and he remains under contract for the 2026 season. But after a breakout 2025 season, he likely earned himself a lot of money.
DT Jalen Carter: The Eagles likely will do what they did with Davis and pick up Carter’s fifth year, but it might be time for an extension now. Carter didn’t have his best season after a dominant 2024. The Eagles may be able to sign him to a more team-friendly deal, though Carter and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, may opt to play 2026 on his current deal and revisit the big-money deal next offseason.
DT Moro Ojomo: Ojomo is set to play the final year of his four-year rookie deal in 2026. The seventh-round pick has been a major success story. Will the Eagles look to lock him up beyond 2026? Will they be able to afford all of these defensive linemen with big contracts coming in the future for other defensive stars like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean?
Contracted players who could be on the way out
The Eagles have some players on the 2026 roster who may not be here when training camp starts.
K Jake Elliott: Elliott has had two consecutive seasons where he didn’t perform well enough. His 2025 field goal conversion rate was just 74.1%, the lowest of any kicker who played a full season.
WR A.J. Brown: Will his frustrations with the offense cause him to ask for a trade? It would be a costly move for the Eagles, but they’ve willingly taken on dead cap in the past. The Eagles would have a big hole to fill if it came to that.
RT Lane Johnson: Johnson remains one of the best tackles in football, but his availability was an issue this season. He missed the final eight games of the season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. The Eagles probably would love him back, but Johnson will be 36 in May and won’t play forever.
QB Tanner McKee: Will the Eagles look to ship McKee to another team for a draft pick? McKee’s Week 18 performance didn’t help their cause.
CB Kelee Ringo: Ringo remains under contract on his rookie deal, but he seems like a change-of-scenery candidate. He has struggled to get on the field with the Eagles, though he has been great on special teams.
Howie Roseman will be central to the selection of a new offensive coordinator.
Coaching staff changes
Patullo’s ouster kicked off an offseason that could see a few more coaching changes.
The Eagles, of course, are looking to hire an offensive coordinator. Nick Sirianni said he wants the Eagles’ offense to continue to “evolve” and the team appears to be going after some experienced play-callers to get their offense back on track.
Who else could be on the move?
For starters, special teams coordinator Michael Clay is not under contract for next season.
Additionally, defensive backs coach Christian Parker has been a popular name for defensive coordinator openings. Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has been a coordinator before and, after his work with the Eagles’ front, could get some interviews.
A new offensive coordinator could mean more shakeup on the offensive staff, too.
Guard Joel Bitonio has been a respected member of a Browns team that has otherwise struggled for most of his tenure.
2026 free agency targets
What do the Eagles need most? What kind of players will be on the market?
First, the Eagles need to know what happens with the futures of key offensive players like A.J. Brown and Lane Johnson.
At the moment, they have just over $15 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. That’s not a lot, but Howie Roseman has shown the creativity to use void years and spread cap hits out over multiple seasons.
Free agency begins March 11.
Position groups and players to target
Offensive line: Will Johnson return? Will Landon Dickerson ever be healthy again? Can Cam Jurgens bounce back? Big questions facing the Eagles, who need to restore their offensive line this offseason. Reinforcements likely will come via the draft, but free agency offers some options.
Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith, for example, has dealt with injuries but could provide insurance for Johnson and help the Eagles bridge their way to the next young tackle. Old friend Isaac Seumalo fits that bill, too, at guard. Same with Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio.
Wide receiver: Regardless of what happens with Brown, the Eagles could use some more help at receiver. They won’t be playing in the George Pickens pool, and probably not Alec Pierce, either, but what about Romeo Doubs, Kendrick Bourne, or Van Jefferson at WR3?
EDGE: Jaelan Phillips should be at the top of the Eagles’ wish list. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith are the only two edge rushers under contract. The Eagles will draft at least one rusher, but they need a top-end talent like Phillips. If not Phillips, other top options would be Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Boye Mafe, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack. There’s always the possibility of Roseman figuring out a way to trade for Maxx Crosby, too.
Tight end: Dallas Goedert may be in the running to return. But if not, the Eagles could eye someone like Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts, who finally played to his potential this season. Pitts attended Abington and Archbishop Wood before playing at Florida in college. Other free agents include Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, and Tyler Higbee. The Eagles probably will use a draft pick on one, too.
Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell eventually will re-sign at the top of the market, and you don’t see many teams spending that type of money on two players at this position. But there are some options the Eagles could target, like Tariq Woolen, Roger McCreary, and Jamel Dean. Will those players be too costly? We’ll see.
Safety: Reed Blankenship has been solid for the Eagles, but he’s not great in coverage. The Eagles could be looking to pair Drew Mukuba with a better player on the back line, and they could look to do that via free agency. Old friend Kevin Byard has been really productive with the Chicago Bears, though he could command a bigger contract than the Eagles are willing to give out. Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Curl could be an option.
The 2026 NFL draft
The Eagles’ needs here will become clearer after free agency, though our Devin Jackson looked at a few potential targets at pick No. 23.
The draft will take place beginning on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
Before that, there are some other key dates and events to look out for.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is on Jan. 27; the Senior Bowl is on Jan. 31; the yearly NFL Scouting Combine begins on Feb. 23; and teams have until April 15 to conduct visits, tests, and interviews with prospective draft picks.
Will there be more drama around the Tush Push this offseason?
League meetings
The annual league meeting is from March 29 to April 1 in Arizona. It is there that the Tush Push likely will be another big topic of conversation and could meet its demise.
But the Eagles’ lack of success using their signature play this season could result in some teams backing off a little bit. We’ll see.
There’s also another league meeting May 19 and 20 in Orlando.
2026 Eagles schedule
The Eagles’ opponents are known. They play home games vs. their three divisional opponents (Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants), as well as other games vs. the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans.
Besides their three NFC East road games, the Eagles also travel to play the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans.
It remains to be seen if the Eagles will get an international game.
The schedule is due out in May, but international dates will likely be released prior to that.
