The expectation in Philadelphia is that Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will return for the 2024 season. Philadelphia's tumultuous campaign ended mercilessly in Monday's 32-9 wild-card defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with Sirianni returning, sweeping changes are expected to his assistant coaching staff.
Defensive coordinator Sean Desai is all but guaranteed to be relieved of his duties after being stripped of play-calling responsibilities. Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson is also unlikely to return after Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's offense as a whole regressed in 2023. With these changes expected to be made, we've identified five potential candidates to become Sirianni's next offensive and defensive coordinators.
OC: SHANE WALDRON, SEAHAWKS OC
The Seahawks have granted offensive coordinator Shane Waldron permission to interview elsewhere while the franchise searches for Pete Carroll's successor. The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints have already requested permission to speak with Waldron for their offensive coordinator vacancies. The Eagles should do the same.
Waldron rose through the coaching ranks as Sean McVay's passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams. He's since helped revive Geno Smith's career in Seattle. Waldron could bring some fresh concepts from the McVay/Kyle Shanahan offense to Sirianni's stale unit.
DC: CHRIS SHULA, RAMS PASS-RUSH COORDINATOR/LB COACH
Rams pass-rush coordinator and linebackers coach Chris Shula is among the league's most ascending defensive-minded coaches. In 2023, Shula worked directly with rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young, who combined for an astounding 17.0 sacks as first-year contributors. Shula also worked with improving linebackers Ernest Jones and Michael Hoecht, who amassed 226 tackles.
Shula is due for a promotion to defensive coordinator, whether under McVay or elsewhere. Sirianni and Shula spent two seasons (2015-16) working together with the Chargers. That familiarity could lead Sirianni to identify Shula as the ideal successor to Desai and Matt Patricia.
OC: FRANK REICH, FORMER PANTHERS HC
Could Frank Reich return to the stomping grounds where he previously won a Super Bowl as an offensive coordinator? Reich may have to settle for play-calling assistant roles moving forward. He's unlikely to receive a third head coaching opportunity after failing to last one complete season with the Panthers.
Reich and Sirianni are inherently familiar with one another. They spent three seasons (2013-15) with the Chargers, with Sirianni succeeding Reich as quarterbacks coach following his promotion to OC. Sirianni then followed Reich to Indianapolis to become his offensive coordinator. Sirianni could return the favor by appointing Reich as Philadelphia's next offensive coordinator.
DC: JESSE MINTER, MICHIGAN WOLVERINES DC
Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter led college football's top-ranked defense in 2023. The Wolverines allowed a nation-low 9.5 points per contest. Now a National Championship winner, Minter deserves an opportunity to jump to the NFL, and he should particularly be interested in doing so if head coach Jim Harbaugh does the same.
Sirianni interviewed Minter for his defensive coordinator position last offseason before appointing Desai. Sirianni would appreciate a do-over on that decision. Minter would represent a home-run hire for the Eagles this summer.
OC: ANTHONY LYNN, 49ERS ASSISTANT HC/RB COACH
Former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has rehabilitated his reputation as the 49ers' assistant head coach and running backs coach. This season, Lynn helped Christian McCaffrey enjoy a historic record-breaking campaign. It wouldn't be shocking if Lynn received some OC interest after the postseason.
Sirianni previously worked as Lynn's wide receivers coach when he was the head man for the Chargers. The Eagles averaged approximately 20 fewer rushing yards per game this season (128.8) than last season (147.6). Lynn's extensive background as a run-game coach could appeal to Sirianni.
