The Philadelphia Eagles are shaking things up in their coaching staff, and the race to become their next offensive coordinator is heating up. With the position left vacant following Kevin Patullo’s unexpected departure, the Eagles have now brought in a fourth candidate for a second interview—a move that’s sparking plenty of buzz among fans and analysts alike. But here’s where it gets interesting: the latest contender is none other than Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who met with the Eagles in person on Thursday, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo.
Johnson joins an already impressive shortlist of candidates who’ve made it to the second round of interviews:
- Jim Bob Cooter, current offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts
- Sean Mannion, quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers
- Josh Grizzard, former offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What makes Johnson stand out? For starters, he’s no stranger to Philadelphia or Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. A former college quarterback, Johnson briefly signed with the Eagles in 2011 as an undrafted free agent before embarking on a journeyman career that eventually led him to coaching. After bouncing around the league for five years, he joined Sirianni’s offensive staff in Indianapolis during the 2020 season. Since then, he’s climbed the ranks, serving as the Texans’ QB coach for the past three seasons, where he’s worked closely with rookie sensation C.J. Stroud.
And this is the part most people miss: while Stroud has had his ups and downs, he’s also shown flashes of brilliance—enough to generate MVP buzz in 2023. Johnson’s work with a rookie quarterback of Stroud’s caliber could be a major draw for the Eagles, even though he lacks play-calling experience. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Johnson’s limited experience a red flag, or is his potential to develop young talent worth the gamble?
Another intriguing angle? Johnson’s connection to Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who’s worked with heavyweights like Josh McDaniels (once an Eagles head coaching candidate) and Sean McVay. Could this network of influences give Johnson an edge?
As the Eagles narrow down their options, one thing’s clear: this hiring decision could shape the team’s offensive identity for years to come. What do you think—is Jerrod Johnson the right fit, or should the Eagles go with a more seasoned play-caller? Let us know in the comments below!
