Analyzing the play-calling duty at the Philadephia Eagles
Midway through the 2021 season, Nick Sirianni did what is rather rare among NFL head coaches. The Philadelphia Eagles head coach ceded play-calling duties to the team’s offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and never looked back.
An unexpected move would, however, change the fortunes of the team completely. The impact of Steichen taking up the role was immediately felt. They moved up swiftly in offensive statistics until they became a force to be reckoned with in the league.
As fate would have it, Steichen is no longer around. The former offensive coordinator has gone on to take up the head coaching role with the Indianapolis Colts. This practically leaves a void in the Eagles' team. In essence, who will take on the play-calling duty in the absence of Steichen?
Colts hire Shane Steichen as new head coach. https://t.co/P1M1drj3Mq
Who takes on the play-calling duty?
The simple answer would be head coach Sirianni returning as the play-caller. However, that doesn't seem to be the case as he believes he's got a much deeper role to play in the team. This definitely suggests that the duty will be assigned to someone else.
The new play-caller was a subject of concern within the Eagles' community after it became clear just before the Super Bowl that Steichen was leaving. However, Sirianni made it clear during the end-of-season press conference that he has no plans to resume play-calling.
Explaining what impact giving up duty has helped him make on the team, Sirianni said:
“It helps me interact with the players more on the sideline. And it helps me be able to discuss something with somebody upstairs to get on the defensive headset when the offense is up or vice versa. Yes, that will be my intent, to let the next offensive coordinator call the game.”
A new offensive coordinator is now on board, and thankfully, he is not someone strange to the team. Quarterback coach Brian Johnson has been promoted to take up the offensive coordinator role. There's no doubt he has a lot of voids to fill in his new job.
Eagles promote Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator. wp.me/pbBqYq-cxNo
The challenge for Brian Johnson
Johnson was an immediate favorite to become the new offensive coordinator after the exit of Steichen. He was eventually given the opportunity by the Eagles' management to climb up the ladder within the team after two seasons as quarterback coach.
He now faces the challenge of adequately replacing Steichen in the many roles he played during his time with the franchise. As suggested by head coach Sirianni, Johnson will have to take up the play-calling duty, a role he once played as a college football coach.
Part of the reason I liked the Brian Johnson hire was because of his play calling at Florida. He should have a smoother transition in the NFL than a typical first-timer. His role as Hurts’ primary advocate in the game plan meetings will come in handy now.
Steichen's time as the Eagles' play-caller ended with a 22-7 record, and matching the same level of success is an uphill task for Johnson. He, however, has a two-decade relationship with Jalen Hurt, which could prove vital to his success as he takes the helm of affairs.
Having been the offensive coordinator for many college football teams prior to his NFL career, it could be said that Johnson holds a handful of experience to succeed. He definitely has a big task ahead of him in his new position, and it's up to him to take control of a team that needs to make up for the late disappointment of last season.