Eagles' Hired Gun Sean Mannion Brings Uncertainty to the Line, but Change is Just What They Need.
The Philadelphia Eagles have finally secured a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, ending a long and grueling search. The 35-year-old coach has an unorthodox resume - nine seasons as an NFL backup quarterback, followed by stints as a Packers' assistant coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2025.
While many will point out that Mannion's lack of experience calling plays is a major concern, others see it as an opportunity for the team. With the Eagles' offense in dire need of a shake-up, they're willing to take a chance on someone who has spent time playing the game's most high-pressure position.
Mannion's coaching influences are undoubtedly elite play-callers - Matt LaFleur, Sean McVay, and Kevin O'Connell have all had success with Mannion in various roles. And with Josh Grizzard on board as pass-game coordinator, there's a sense of philosophical alignment that could help the new offense gel.
However, it's also worth noting that Mannion has never led a full offensive room or called plays at any level. This lack of experience could be a major hurdle for him to overcome, especially given the scrutiny he'll face in the city of brotherly love.
Ultimately, this hire is a gamble - but one that might just pay off. The Eagles' offense was due for a change, and Mannion's unorthodox background brings an air of uncertainty that could be just what they need to shake things up.
Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Change is coming: Mannion's coaching influences and tree are not the same as Nick Sirianni's. This means the Eagles' offense will be different, at least on paper.
- The pass game will take center stage: With Mannion's emphasis on play-action and under-center concepts, this could be an exciting direction for the team.
- He has help: Grizzard brings a wealth of experience to the table, which should help ease the transition.
- Elite play-callers are his coaching influences: McVay, LaFleur, and O'Connell have all had success with Mannion in various roles.
- The backup QB is often the best coach: Mannion's time playing quarterback could bode well for his ability to connect with players on offense.
Cons:
- He's never called plays: This lack of experience can't be overstated - most play-callers spend years honing their craft before taking on the role.
- He's never led an entire offensive room: Mannion has only spent one year leading the Packers' QB room, which could raise questions about his ability to command a full offense.
- He wasn't their first choice: The Eagles didn't get their top candidate for the job, and that's always a concern.
In the end, it's a dice roll. There are no guarantees when it comes to hiring coaches - see: Pete Carroll - so only time will tell if this move pays off or fizzles out. One thing is certain, though: change is coming to the Eagles' offense, and Mannion is at the helm.
The Philadelphia Eagles have finally secured a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, ending a long and grueling search. The 35-year-old coach has an unorthodox resume - nine seasons as an NFL backup quarterback, followed by stints as a Packers' assistant coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2025.
While many will point out that Mannion's lack of experience calling plays is a major concern, others see it as an opportunity for the team. With the Eagles' offense in dire need of a shake-up, they're willing to take a chance on someone who has spent time playing the game's most high-pressure position.
Mannion's coaching influences are undoubtedly elite play-callers - Matt LaFleur, Sean McVay, and Kevin O'Connell have all had success with Mannion in various roles. And with Josh Grizzard on board as pass-game coordinator, there's a sense of philosophical alignment that could help the new offense gel.
However, it's also worth noting that Mannion has never led a full offensive room or called plays at any level. This lack of experience could be a major hurdle for him to overcome, especially given the scrutiny he'll face in the city of brotherly love.
Ultimately, this hire is a gamble - but one that might just pay off. The Eagles' offense was due for a change, and Mannion's unorthodox background brings an air of uncertainty that could be just what they need to shake things up.
Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Change is coming: Mannion's coaching influences and tree are not the same as Nick Sirianni's. This means the Eagles' offense will be different, at least on paper.
- The pass game will take center stage: With Mannion's emphasis on play-action and under-center concepts, this could be an exciting direction for the team.
- He has help: Grizzard brings a wealth of experience to the table, which should help ease the transition.
- Elite play-callers are his coaching influences: McVay, LaFleur, and O'Connell have all had success with Mannion in various roles.
- The backup QB is often the best coach: Mannion's time playing quarterback could bode well for his ability to connect with players on offense.
Cons:
- He's never called plays: This lack of experience can't be overstated - most play-callers spend years honing their craft before taking on the role.
- He's never led an entire offensive room: Mannion has only spent one year leading the Packers' QB room, which could raise questions about his ability to command a full offense.
- He wasn't their first choice: The Eagles didn't get their top candidate for the job, and that's always a concern.
In the end, it's a dice roll. There are no guarantees when it comes to hiring coaches - see: Pete Carroll - so only time will tell if this move pays off or fizzles out. One thing is certain, though: change is coming to the Eagles' offense, and Mannion is at the helm.