3 Eagles offensive coordinator candidates withdraw Monday, list continues to dwindle

It has been 13 days since the Eagles let go of Kevin Patullo as the team’s offensive coordinator. About two weeks later, there has yet to be a positive report in the Eagles’ favor.

On Monday, the Eagles saw two of their candidates take their name out of consideration for the Eagles’ OC job: Charlie Weis Jr. and Declan Doyle. Mike Kafka, another potential solution, landed a position with the Detroit Lions.

The Eagles were reportedly showing interest in Weis Jr., the son of long-time Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, before their season was even over. The 32-year-old lacks the NFL experience, just possessing a college coaching background, most recently with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, and joining him now at LSU. His only NFL venture came in 2017 as an offensive assistant under Dan Quinn and Steve Sarkisian with the Atlanta Falcons. Though being an interesting contender, he never seemed particularly likely to get the job, but he notified the Eagles on Monday that he is remaining with Kiffin and the Tigers.

Doyle spent four years with the New Orleans Saints as an offensive assistant under Sean Payton and Dennis Allen before following Payton to Denver, where he spent two years as tight ends coach. Doyle now resides as the offensive coordinator in Chicago, which saw a massive offensive revolution this season with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. He informed Philadelphia that he will remain with the Bears.

Kafka, 38, joined the New York Giants as offensive coordinator in 2022 after spending most of his coaching career with the Kansas City Chiefs under head coach Andy Reid. Kafka took over as the team’s interim head coach midway through the 2025 season, leading the club to a 2-5 record over its last seven games. Kafka now takes a gig with the Lions as a “high-ranking offensive staff role.”

The three young candidates could have brought a different style of offense to the Eagles, who are desperately in need of a distinguishable look.

Now it is important to note that though these individuals are withdrawing from the job, more often than not, they understand they are not getting the job. This is common. Just because someone earns an interview does not mean they received an offer. This can also go for Kafka. While he took a job elsewhere, it does not exactly suggest he turned down the Eagles’ job. He may have never even obtained a deal. While this is speculation, turning down an OC job for a “high-ranking” role seems implausible.

Still, the list is getting shorter, and it is getting a bit concerning.

• Former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith
• Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard
• Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter
• Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy
• Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson
• Former Giants head coach Brian Daboll (has expressed interest in Bills head coaching job and Titans OC gig, so not likely to join Eagles staff)

The Eagles wanted to hit a home run with this hire. A hire that would “evolve this offense.” They are not going to catch one of the big fish. There has to be some reason for the lack of urgency. Whether that is missing out on former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who took the Los Angeles Chargers OC job, and Daboll, or if the Eagles are simply just taking their time to select the proper candidate.

The job also could just not be as desirable as previously believed. Philadelphia is a tough city; there are win-now expectations, there is some instability on the offensive line, A.J. Brown could be on the move, and there seems to be some negative baggage surrounding Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni. Whether you feed into those reports or not, it is out there. Also, Sirianni could have some hand in the offense, as well.

Whoever the Eagles hire is, it is not going to shatter headlines and wow anyone. They are casting a wide net and are going to hook a guy with play-calling experience. Not exactly a blue marlin or a swordfish. At this point, more of a bluegill or a trout. With the options that are still there, it will have to do.

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