NFL Insider: Eagles’ Passing Game Coordinator Not a “Strong Candidate” to Replace Kellen Moore
NFL Insider: Eagles’ Passing Game Coordinator Not a “Strong Candidate” to Replace Kellen Moore
In the latest NFL insider report, a prominent league source has stated that the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing game coordinator, Brian Johnson, is not considered a “strong candidate” to replace Kellen Moore as an offensive coordinator. Moore, who left the Dallas Cowboys to take over the offensive coordinator role with the Los Angeles Chargers, has left a notable void in the NFL’s coaching carousel, and many teams are in search of a new offensive mind to lead their attack.
Brian Johnson, who has garnered considerable attention during his time with the Eagles, was initially thought to be one of the top potential candidates for the position, but insiders are now suggesting that he is not viewed as the front-runner by many within the league.
Moore’s departure from the Cowboys has been a significant point of discussion, considering his well-regarded ability to manage a potent offense that heavily relied on quarterback Dak Prescott and star weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Ezekiel Elliott. Moore’s offensive schemes were credited for the growth of Prescott, while also keeping Dallas in the upper echelon of high-scoring offenses year after year. His move to the Chargers, where he will be expected to develop quarterback Justin Herbert further, has many wondering who will step up to replace him in Dallas.
The Eagles’ Johnson, who worked alongside head coach Nick Sirianni, had a tremendous impact on the development of second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts. Under Johnson’s watch, Hurts took a massive leap in his passing game, which was evident in the Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance. Johnson’s success with Hurts and his ability to shape an explosive passing offense under a creative, dual-threat quarterback made him an intriguing candidate for any team looking for offensive leadership.
However, according to the insider, Johnson’s candidacy is likely to fall short of expectations when compared to others around the league who have already built a strong reputation. “While Brian Johnson is certainly a talented coach and has done great work with Jalen Hurts, he’s not seen as a lock for any big-time OC job at this point,” the NFL insider said. “Other names have more experience running offenses in high-pressure situations, and in this competitive market, that’s a big factor.”
Several coaches are reportedly ahead of Johnson on teams’ wish lists, including well-established offensive minds from other successful franchises. Names like Eric Bieniemy of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mike LaFleur, formerly of the New York Jets, and other veterans with substantial play-calling experience appear to have more momentum behind them as they pursue open offensive coordinator positions.
While it’s still possible that Johnson could land an offensive coordinator job in the near future, the Eagles’ passing game coordinator is likely to stay in Philadelphia for at least another year to continue his development of Hurts and the Eagles’ potent offense.
Insiders predict that Johnson will be a strong candidate for head coaching positions down the road, especially if Hurts continues to play at an MVP level. However, as of now, the Eagles’ passing game coordinator is not in the top tier of candidates for Kellen Moore’s replacement.
For the Cowboys, it’s clear that their search for Moore’s replacement will take priority as the team looks to maintain its offensive identity and build on the success of the previous seasons. With Johnson reportedly off the radar, many believe the Cowboys will turn to more seasoned candidates with proven track records of running dynamic and balanced offensive units.
As the NFL coaching carousel spins on, Johnson’s name might reappear on the radar in years to come, but for now, he’ll continue his work in Philadelphia, where his star is still on the rise.
