The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2026 offseason with a clear goal of bringing in a proven play-caller at offensive coordinator. Head coach Nick Sirianni took a risk on Kevin Patullo last season, and it was an incredible failure that led to the Eagles' Wild Card Round exit at the hands of an undermanned San Francisco 49ers team.
With this in mind, fans aren't going to be thrilled with the latest headlines when it comes to Philly's potential OC target.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles "have requested to interview Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle." While it is understandable to want to steal from the offensive system of head coach Ben Johnson, it is a risk that Philly shouldn't be willing to take.
Eagles Cannot Afford the Risk of Hiring Unproven Play-Caller Declan Doyle
As tempting as it might be to hire an up-and-coming mind, Doyle has only spent the 2025 season in the offensive coordinator role and did so while helping Johnson, without being allowed to call plays.
Hiring Doyle would be a huge risk that puts Sirianni's job on the line after already missing on Patullo. It is an unnecessary risk and points to a franchise not learning anything from its past mistakes. The Eagles should be completely focused on bringing in a proven play caller that is a known commodity and will fix an offense that remains supremely talented and mysteriously broken.
Philadelphia has been attached to Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll in the 2026 offseason, but these aren't the only proven coordinators currently on the coaching market. Kliff Kingsbury stands out as another potential option, having led the Washington Commanders' 2024 offense to the NFC Championship Game while averaging 28.5 points per game. While Kingsbury doesn't have to be the exact fit, the coach is an example of a proven name remaining on the market.
Philadelphia needs to refocus attention on bringing in an offensive coordinator who can be the adult in the room and offer experience to help navigate the recent offensive challenges.
This should rule out Doyle, with previous experience limited to a tight ends coach position and working as an offensive assistant. The inexperience is too glaring for the Eagles not to realize that this is the wrong direction, and the franchise must focus its efforts on bringing in an established play-caller.
Perhaps the Eagles can revisit working with Doyle once he proves himself down the line, but not any time soon.