Nobody Wants to Be the Eagles Offensive Coordinator under Nick Sirianni.

Nick Sirianni’s behavior on the sidelines and his reportedly cold demeanor are creating challenges for the Philadelphia Eagles in their search for a new offensive coordinator. Despite being a playoff team just a year removed from winning the Super Bowl, the Eagles have reportedly faced multiple refusals from potential candidates for the position. Normally, this type of role would attract coaches looking to raise their profile and advance to head coaching positions, yet Philadelphia is encountering unexpected difficulty filling the job.

Charlie Weis Jr., former offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, was considered a leading candidate for the role but chose instead to remain at LSU with Lane Kiffin. Declan Doyle of the Chicago Bears, who holds the title of offensive coordinator but does not call plays, was another candidate who passed on the opportunity, despite the potential for increased recognition in Philadelphia. Earlier, the Eagles reportedly showed interest in former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, who accepted a position with the Los Angeles Chargers without interviewing for the Eagles’ job. Several factors may contribute to the hesitation. The pressure of coaching in Philadelphia is significant, with previous coordinator Kevin Patullo receiving harsh criticism from fans during the past season. Patullo, a personal friend and former staff member of Sirianni, faced a high-pressure environment and did not advance the same way previous coordinators like Shane Steichen and Kellen Moore had. The nature of the role under Sirianni has often been “sink or swim,” with coordinators either moving quickly into head coaching positions or leaving after a single season, as was the case with Patullo and Brian Johnson.

Sirianni’s sideline behavior may also influence perceptions of the position. Reports suggest that he spends considerable time reacting to events on the field rather than focusing on in-game planning, which can leave coordinators vulnerable to criticism when games go poorly. As a result, coordinators may bear the brunt of fan frustration while the head coach remains relatively shielded. Although the Eagles continue to explore candidates, it appears increasingly likely that they will need to settle for someone who is not their first choice. The team may once again face a season with a less experienced or more precarious coordinator at the helm of one of the NFL’s most demanding offensive roles.