The Eagles’ OC Search Intensifies: Missed Targets, New Candidates, and What It Means for Hurts
The NFL offseason is never quiet in Philadelphia, but the noise level just cranked up a few decibels. Following the departure of Kevin Patullo after the 2025 season, the Eagles’ front office has been working the phones, desperate to find an architect for an offense that sputtered when it mattered most last year.
For a franchise with a Super Bowl window that is theoretically still open, this hire isn’t just a box to check; it’s the domino that will decide the immediate future of Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni. But as the coaching carousel spins, the Eagles are finding out the hard way that landing your top target isn’t guaranteed.
With big names drifting off the board and new, younger candidates emerging, here is the playbook on where the Eagles stand, who is left in the huddle, and why this decision is critical for the franchise.
The “Plan A” Targets Are Gone
When the search officially opened, the rumor mill was buzzing with high-profile connections. The initial wishlist reportedly featured two heavy hitters: Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll. Both brought pedigree, experience, and a reputation for offensive ingenuity that Philly fans were craving after a lackluster 2025 campaign.
However, the reality of the NFL hiring cycle hit hard. Mike McDaniel, known for his eccentric personality and brilliant run-game schemes, has reportedly agreed to take the reins as the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator. That’s a massive blow to an Eagles team that could have utilized his expertise in motion and spacing.
Meanwhile, Brian Daboll seems to be looking elsewhere. Whether he lands the Bills head coaching gig or takes a coordinator role with the Titans, it appears he won’t be drawing up plays at Lincoln Financial Field. These swings and misses have forced Philadelphia to pivot their strategy, moving from established gurus to rising stars.
The Pivot to Declan Doyle
With the veterans off the board, the spotlight has shifted to the next generation. The Eagles have formally requested to interview Declan Doyle, the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears.
Doyle is a fascinating case study. He held the OC title in Chicago, but he wasn’t the primary play-caller; that duty belonged to head coach Ben Johnson. This makes Doyle a bit of a mystery box. Is he a mastermind waiting for his shot to hold the laminate on gameday, or is he a product of Johnson’s system?
Despite his youth and relative lack of play-calling reps, Doyle’s rapid ascent through the coaching ranks has turned heads. For an Eagles team looking to inject modern concepts into a stale system, betting on a young innovator might be the risk they need to take. It signals a desire for fresh ideas over retread schemes.
Why This Hire Defines Jalen Hurts’ Future
Let’s cut to the chase: this hire is about QB1.
The Eagles’ offense underperformed in 2025, not because they lacked talent, but because the pieces didn’t seem to fit the puzzle. The connection between Jalen Hurts and his receiving corps often looked out of sync, and the explosive plays that defined their previous successes were few and far between.
The new offensive coordinator won’t just be calling plays; they will be tasked with maximizing Hurts’ unique dual-threat skillset. A mismatch here could be disastrous. If the new OC tries to force Hurts into a box or runs a scheme that doesn’t leverage his mobility and deep-ball ability, the offense will stall. Conversely, the right hire, someone who understands how to blend RPO concepts with complex passing trees, could unlock an MVP-caliber ceiling for the quarterback.
Stability vs. The Spark
General managers and head coaches often preach “continuity,” but the Eagles are currently walking a tightrope. They need stability to keep the locker room focused, but they desperately need a new voice to shake up the room.
Losing top candidates like McDaniel to other teams creates an uncomfortable narrative. It suggests that Philadelphia might not be the premier destination it thinks it is, or that the front office needs to be more persuasive in its recruiting pitch. If they strike out on the “pivot” candidates like Doyle, the pressure on the organization will mount significantly.
What to Watch Next
Expect the front office to widen the net. The priority will likely shift toward candidates who are hungry for full play-calling autonomy—something Sirianni has been willing to delegate.
Short-term, we should see more interview requests surface in the coming days. The team needs to have a coordinator in place well before the offseason programs begin to ensure the installation of the new playbook goes smoothly.
Long-term, this isn’t just about 2026. This is about establishing an offensive identity that can weather the storms of an NFL season. The Eagles need a tactician who can adjust on the fly, something that was sorely missing last year.
The Final Whistle
The Eagles are at a crossroads. The first few drives of this coaching search resulted in a three-and-out, with top targets signing elsewhere. Now, the game is about making the right adjustment. Whether it’s a young gun like Declan Doyle or a dark horse candidate yet to emerge, the next offensive coordinator holds the keys to Philadelphia’s championship hopes.
For Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni, the clock is ticking.
