Eagles reportedly interview intriguing up-and-comer for OC opening 

By Dave Zangaro • Published January 24, 2024

 

The Eagles interviewed Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for their offensive coordinator opening, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday.

After a disastrous finish to the 2023 season, the Eagles decided to keep head coach Nick Sirianni but fired both of their top coordinators and are currently searching for their replacements.

Johnson is the second known candidate to interview for the OC job, joining former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury.

The 35-year-old Johnson is certainly an intriguing candidate and is viewed as a clear up-and-comer in the NFL.

In 2023, Johnson was the quarterbacks coach with the Houston Texans and helped guide first-round quarterback C.J. Stroud to an impressive rookie season. Based on that success, it’s no surprise Johnson is garnering offensive coordinator consideration.

And Johnson also has a history with Sirianni. The two were on the same staff in Indianapolis in 2019-20 under Frank Reich. Johnson was a quality control coach in Indianapolis in 2020, the final year Sirianni was the OC in Indy before getting hired as the Eagles head coach.

Before joining the Texans in 2023, Johnson worked as an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Vikings.

While Johnson’s rise as a coach has been pretty quick, he did play the quarterback position at a high level. He was the starter at Texas A&M and was actually with the Eagles during training camp in 2011 so he’s at least familiar with the organization.

The Eagles fired Brian Johnson after just one year as their offensive coordinator. While Johnson did interview for two head coaching jobs this offseason, the Eagles’ offense clearly needed to improve after 2023. There was something off between Sirianni, Brian Johnson and quarterback Jalen Hurts. And the offense was not nearly as good as it was a year before with Shane Steichen as the offensive coordinator.

Of course, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator job is a position that’s a bit rare because the OC calls plays under an offensive head coach. In Houston this season, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was the play caller.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/eagles-offensive-coordinator-search-reportedly-interview-jerrod-johnson/560817/

So from BJ to JJ. I mean at least we shouldn’t get the surname wrong. Can’t say I’m thrilled by the idea though but hey you never know.

"Intriguing up and comer" translation:  Guy is getting credit for riding Bobby Slowik's coattails. 

NO MORE LEARN ON THE JOB CANDIDATES........this offense and it's talent needs an experienced OC.......they took a super bowl caliber offense and turned it into a high school offense that cost them the season by hiring a up and comer last time.....

 

6 minutes ago, birdman#12 said:

NO MORE LEARN ON THE JOB CANDIDATES........this offense and it's talent needs an experienced OC.......they took a super bowl caliber offense and turned it into a high school offense that cost them the season by hiring a up and comer last time.....

 

Agreed. If we are to hope that they are going to fix the defense in terms of bringing in Fangio and some talent and they will no doubt add to the offense then this roster has a chance to be a contender next year. They need an OC who has implemented their own scheme and called plays before otherwise we will have growing pains next year and that will be another year wasted whilst Jalen's cap numbers are relatively favourable.

11 hours ago, Procus said:

"Intriguing up and comer" translation:  Guy is getting credit for riding Bobby Slowik's coattails. 

Intriguing up and comer is exactly how they described Brian Johnson last year.  I would absolutely hate it if he was chosen.  TBH I don't think he will be ... seems they are expecting Sirianni to go with someone who has quite a bit of experience with running offenses and demonstrated creativity.  That surely is not JJ.  Kinda strange that they would interview him.  

26 minutes ago, time2rock said:

Intriguing up and comer is exactly how they described Brian Johnson last year.  I would absolutely hate it if he was chosen.  TBH I don't think he will be ... seems they are expecting Sirianni to go with someone who has quite a bit of experience with running offenses and demonstrated creativity.  That surely is not JJ.  Kinda strange that they would interview him.  

Eagles have been known to interview people to pick their brains.