Eagles’ Offensive Coordinator Search Heats Up as 2026 Approaches

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 offseason with a pressing challenge: revamping an offense that struggled for creativity and consistency throughout 2025. After promoting Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator following Kellen Moore’s departure, the team found itself stuck in a predictable, over-reliant system that leaned heavily on player improvisation rather than innovative scheming.

Patullo’s tenure exposed a larger problem: the Eagles have struggled to find a coordinator capable of pairing creativity with strategic discipline, leaving the defense to carry much of the load. Even with flashes of efficiency, the offense often failed in crucial moments, highlighting the need for a more dynamic leader in the role.

Historically, Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator job has been a proving ground for some of the league’s top coaches. Shanahan protege Shan Steichen moved from Eagles OC to Indianapolis Colts head coach after a Super Bowl appearance, while Kellen Moore leveraged his success into interviews and promotions elsewhere. The position’s reputation makes it attractive but also highly scrutinized.

Now, as the 2026 season approaches, the Eagles face limited options. Top candidates like Mike McDaniel have committed elsewhere, while others such as Declan Doyle have withdrawn from consideration. Philadelphia must make a strategic choice to improve the offense without missteps that could set the team back further.

1. Potential Candidates Emerge

Charlie Weis Jr., currently at LSU, has been a long-discussed target for the Eagles. Known for being one of the youngest coordinators in college football history when he first worked under Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic, Weis Jr. has followed Kiffin through multiple stops, most recently at Ole Miss and now LSU. At Ole Miss, Weis Jr. demonstrated play-calling acumen during the College Football Playoffs, helping the team score 39 points against Georgia before narrowly losing to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Despite stating he plans to return to LSU, Weis Jr. remains technically available, with no NFL buyout required, making him a potential wild-card option if the Eagles decide to pursue him aggressively. Another candidate is Kliff Kingsbury, who brings NFL experience and an offensive mind shaped by the Air Raid system. As Washington Commanders OC, he revitalized the offense alongside rookie Jayden Daniels, ranking fifth in points and seventh in yards, demonstrating his ability to adapt a system to fit his personnel. Kingsbury, however, had a mixed 2025 season due to Daniels’ injuries and inconsistent team performance. Recently fired in early January, he remains available, offering the Eagles an option with proven NFL experience and a track record of quarterback development—an asset for Jalen Hurts and the passing game.

2. Frank Smith and the McDaniel Influence

The Eagles are reportedly intrigued by Frank Smith, who coordinated the run game for the Los Angeles Chargers before leading Philadelphia’s offense from 2022 to 2025. Smith brings over 20 years of coaching experience, including more than a decade in the NFL with stops at the Saints, Bears, Raiders, Chargers, and Dolphins. Smith’s connection to Mike McDaniel is notable. McDaniel described Smith as a “problem solver” during his time with the Dolphins, emphasizing his ability to adapt and implement complex schemes. While it remains unclear how much of the Chargers’ offensive success can be attributed directly to Smith, his resume demonstrates experience with high-powered and adaptable offensive systems. A Smith hire would likely signal the Eagles’ desire to emulate McDaniel’s offensive philosophy, emphasizing motion, spacing, and creative run-pass balance. With Hurts under center, Smith could craft an offense that leverages his quarterback’s dual-threat skills while providing variety and unpredictability in play-calling. Philadelphia’s front office has been consistent in pursuing offensive innovation while balancing personnel fit. Smith offers both familiarity with modern offensive schemes and a level of stability that could help prevent the struggles of the Patullo era from repeating.

3. The Road Ahead for the Eagles

The Eagles’ coordinator search is now a critical offseason priority, with few high-profile candidates remaining. Whether targeting Weis Jr., Kingsbury, Smith, or another candidate, Philadelphia must weigh creativity, NFL experience, and system fit to maximize Hurts’ talent and balance the offense with the elite defense. Timing is also a factor. As February approaches, options dwindle, and the pressure to make a decision that can influence 2026 success intensifies. A misstep could have long-lasting effects, potentially setting back offensive development for multiple seasons. The ideal hire will combine innovative scheming, quarterback development, and adaptability to overcome the predictability that plagued Patullo’s tenure. Success in Philadelphia’s high-pressure market requires both technical skill and the ability to handle scrutiny from fans and media alike. Ultimately, the Eagles’ decision will shape not just the offense but the trajectory of the franchise in the coming years. With the right hire, Philadelphia can return to its goal of being a balanced, championship-caliber team capable of complementing its dominant defense with an explosive, versatile attack.