What’s next for Eagles at OC? Inside high-pressure job after Kevin Patullo’s exit

Kevin Patullo’s one-year stint as Eagles’ offensive coordinator ended Tuesday.

Even though Patullo had never called plays at any level before the 2025 season, the Eagles were confident his in-depth knowledge of Nick Sirianni’s scheme would help offset his inexperience and lead to immediate success.

They thought wrong.

Patullo struggled to make in-game adjustments and craft effective game plans, and as a result, the Eagles finished near the bottom of every offensive category.

Philadelphia’s offensive issues appeared during the team’s 23-19 wild-card round loss to the 49ers on Sunday. The Eagles scored no touchdowns in the second half and scored just three points off two turnovers.

The Eagles need their next offensive coordinator to be an elite play caller, and luckily, many impressive candidates are available.

In the past, the Eagles’ OC opening would have ranked atop the NFL wish list. That may still be true for some candidates, but it’s no longer clearly the best job. The Lions, Chargers and Buccaneers also have OC openings.

Here are five reasons the Eagles’ OC job is not as attractive as it looks:

A.J. Brown could be traded

Brown’s dead cap hit is hefty, but the Eagles may still trade him. He could request a move, and he may have also worn out his welcome.

The 28-year-old star wide receiver was unhappy with his role in the offense this season. Over the last two years, his chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts has diminished.

Brown’s frustrations boiled over against the 49ers during an argument with Sirianni. He finished with three catches for 25 yards, with several drops.

Our guess is that the Eagles and Brown part ways to give both parties a fresh start.

Without Brown, Philadelphia’s pass catchers won’t be as talented next season, making the new offensive coordinator’s job more difficult.

Dallas Goedert’s impending departure

Not only could the wide receiver room take a hit next year, but the talent and depth at tight end could decline as well.

Goedert, the team’s third-best pass catcher behind Brown and DeVonta Smith, is not expected to re-sign during free agency.

Cameron Latu is the only tight end under contract next season, but he functions more as a quasi-fullback. Philadelphia must draft and/or sign Goedert’s replacement this offseason — and that player probably will be less productive.

OL injuries and regression

If Philadelphia’s passing game takes another step back — or fails to make a big leap — a dominant run game could carry the offense to elite status in 2026.

But that won’t be easy.

Right tackle Lane Johnson will be 36 years old next season and is returning from a Lisfranc injury. For that reason, some speculate Johnson might consider retirement. If he leaves, Philadelphia’s offensive line will regress.

Left guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens both struggled in 2025 after dealing with injuries. Due to his health problems, Dickerson told reporters on Sunday that he’s unsure if he’ll get back to his Pro Bowl level.

During his second season at center, Jurgens whiffed on too many blocks and was largely unreliable.

The Eagles signed both players to long-term extensions in consecutive years — a bad return on investment. Now, they must come up with contingency plans for both positions next season.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is one the NFL’s best, but it might take more than one offseason to fix these issues.

Best days behind Jalen Hurts?

Hurts may no longer be a game-changer. He’s lost a step as a runner and remains an inconsistent passer at times. At this stage of his career, it’s fair to wonder how much he can improve. An offensive coordinator will have to work around his limitations — but with the right play caller, Hurts could return to top-10 QB conversations next season.

No learning on the job

Under Sirianni, two first-year play callers have been fired: Brian Johnson after the 2023 season and Patullo yesterday.

Patullo could eventually become a decent coordinator, but the Eagles don’t have time to be patient. With Super Bowl aspirations every year, they’re quick to pull the plug when something isn’t working.

Past Eagles coordinators Kellen Moore and Shane Steichen landed head coaching jobs after successful seasons, which truly makes this a boom-or-bust job. It’s better suited for an experienced play caller — like Moore and Steichen were.

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