Well, it's official. We hoped that Kellen Moore would change his mind, come home, and "run this (expletive) back" as head coach Nick Sirianni said. He decided not to. He's no longer the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator. The New Orleans Saints officially introduced him on the eve of the Birds' Super Bowl parade on Valentine's Day.
With that, we thank Kellen for his services. Who would have thought? A former Dallas Cowboys coaching assistant earned his wings with our Birds. And, with that, we make the announcement.
He's no longer to be remembered as a former assistant in Dallas. He'll forever be one of our own.
We'll be cheering for him in the Big Easy unless of course he plays the Eagles. But, his absence means Philly needs an offensive coordinator, so now what?
Here are some additional replacement options for Kellen Moore who are not named Kevin Patullo.
We could talk about Kevin Patullo until we're blue in the face. As a matter of fact, we have. He seems the most obvious choice for replacing Kellen Moore. That's especially true if the Birds entertain an internal hire.
He and Coach Sirianni worked together in Indianapolis on the Colts' coaching staff. Nick was the OC from 2018-2020. Kevin was a wide receivers coach from 2018-19 and a pass game specialist in 2020. Patullo joined Sirianni's Eagles staff in 2021, first as a pass-game coordinator (2021-2022) before the 'associate head coach title was added to his name in 2023.
Philly could, however, look to make an outside hire. After all, that's how Kellen Moore wound up on the coaching staff.
When we learned of his possible move, we mentioned the following as possible replacements: Josh McCown (Vikings QB coach), Chad O’Shea (Browns WR coach and passing-game coordinator), David Girardi (Chiefs QBs coach), Tee Martin (Ravens QB coach), and Marcus Brady (Chargers passing game coordinator).
Also read (from the vault): Possible Eagles OC options for replacing Kellen Moore
Here are a few other names that may make sense. Some are our dream hires, guys we haven't heard mentioned as possible targets. You let us know how you feel about our list.
Frank Reich
One of the most beloved coordinators in Eagles franchise history. What Frank Reich did with Carson Wentz and Nick Foles during the 2017-18 NFL season was masterful.
He was taken from us after Super Bowl LII. He's currently out of coaching. Who would oppose a reunion?
Jim Caldwell, currently a Panthers senior assistant
Jim Caldwell turned Joe Flacco into a Super Bowl MVP as Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator. He shares the record for the best start for a rookie head coach. Peyton Manning won his fourth of five MVP trophies under his watch.
In his first season with the Detroit Lions as their head coach in 2014, he led them to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. Jim Caldwell has forgotten more about football than most current NFL assistants will ever know.
Jerrod Johnson, currently Houston Texans QBs coach
Last year, the Eagles interviewed three people for their offensive coordinator position: Kellen Moore, Kliff Kingsbury, and Jerrod Johnson. The latter is the Houston Texans' QBs coach. They just hired Nick Caley. If the Birds consider outside candidates again, don't be chocked in Johnson is considered.
Thad Lewis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QBs coach
Thad Lewis was on the Eagles staff before. Unfortunately, that was during Chip Kelly's era in 2015. He's currently in Tampa and has helped execute the Baker Mayfield resurgence.
Mike LaFleur, L.A. offensive coordinator
Mike LaFleur is currently the OC in Los Angeles as a member of the Rams' coaching staff, but Sean McVay calls the plays. If LaFleur is to spread his wings and show what he can do as a play-caller, he'll need to leave McVay's shadow. Philly will allow him the opportunity to do that.
