The Philadelphia Eagles concluded the regular season with an 11-6 record, facing an early exit in the NFL Wild Card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite having a fairly good offensive unit in the league, the Eagles, led by offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, encountered challenges in maintaining consistency on the field.
While head coach Nick Sirianni is anticipated to remain at the helm, the Eagles find themselves in the familiar position of searching for a new offensive coordinator for the second consecutive offseason.
Eagles reportedly part ways with OC Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson’s tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles is set to conclude as the team looks toward new leadership for the 2024 season. CBS News reports that Johnson will not be returning, corroborating earlier indications of an imminent parting of ways.
Joe Person of (publication not provided) hints at the possibility of an official announcement regarding Johnson’s departure. Johnson assumed the role of offensive coordinator in February 2023, succeeding Shane Steichen, who had moved on to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
As Johnson’s departure seems likely, attention turns to potential replacements, with current Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter emerging as a candidate.
Despite Johnson’s relatively short stint as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, lasting just one season, he played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Joining the Eagles in 2021 as the quarterbacks coach, Johnson contributed significantly to the development of Jalen Hurts and played a key role in the team’s impressive 14-3 record, culminating in a Super Bowl run in 2022. Before his time with the Eagles, Johnson served as the offensive coordinator at Florida in 2020.
The Eagles’ coaching staff has undergone recent changes, with the reported firing of defensive coordinator Sean Desai over the weekend. Additionally, the team decided not to extend the contract of Matt Patricia, indicating a broader restructuring of the coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Brian Johnson’s departure reportedly upsets Eagles coaches
The anticipated departure of Brian Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles has reportedly stirred unease among the coaching staff, as indicated by Joe Flower of ESPN. While no official announcement has been made, the implications of Johnson’s potential exit are generating “weird vibes” within the organization.
“There’s some weird vibes out of there. I just don’t know that everybody on the staff is happy about everything that’s gone down – especially with Brian Johnson who was sort of caught in the middle.”
The uncertainty extends beyond the offensive coordinator’s position, raising questions about potential broader staff changes.
“We’ll see what other staff changes are made. I think there are people on the staff that may not want to be there because of some of the dysfunction that went on the last few months. It could go beyond a couple coordinators.”
Prior to the development of the news, Johnson had been actively pursuing head coaching opportunities. Though he was rumored to have the head coaching job of the Tennessee Titans and the Carolina Panthers, there are conflicting reports about his candidacy.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that the Panthers were “expected” to interview Johnson, but according to The Athletic, the Panthers are proceeding to the second round of their coaching search without having interviewed Johnson.
Hence, till now, the OC’s future in the NFL is swirling in the air. Stay tuned for the latest update.
