Eagles Should Bolster Coaching Staff With Recently Fired Familiar Face
As the final full month of the NFL season approaches, struggling franchises around the league are already making significant changes to prepare for the offseason. That continued after Week 12, as the Carolina Panthers decided to fire head coach Frank Reich just 11 games into his tenure.
While Reich's partnership with owner David Tepper didn't work out, that doesn't mean he's a bad coach. In fact, he could be the perfect late-season addition to Nick Sirianni's staff as they gear up for a potentially long playoff run.
Let's start with the obvious: Reich has deep ties to Philadelphia and Sirianni. He was the offensive coordinator of the 2017 team that went on to win the Super Bowl, helping turn Carson Wentz into an MVP contender before his ACL tear and then getting the most out of backup Nick Foles en route to a ring.
When he left to become head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, he hired Sirianni to be his OC. The two went on to enjoy some nice results, as Indy posted at least 10 wins in two of their first three seasons together along with two postseason appearances. Both years the Colts made the playoffs they had top-10 offenses that Sirianni and Reich engineered.
So these are two guys who obviously work well together, and have produced when in the same building. That makes this much more than just a favor for a friend.
Also, the Eagles could use some help on the offensive side of the ball that Reich may be able to provide. Philly has struggled at times to move down the field effectively, which simply shouldn't be happening to a unit that boasts talents like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and a top O-line.
A fresh set of eyes to assist first-time offensive coordinator Brian Johnson could go a long way towards unlocking this group of playmakers. Especially with the playoffs right around the corner, which will be a completely different game to manage.
Yes, hiring a coach with a coordinator background could make Johnson uncomfortable. But Sirianni has to think about what's best for his team. It's no different than flirting with free agents when trying to build the most complete roster.
Reich has been in Johnson's shoes before and excelled when the lights were brightest. That makes him an asset Sirianni should be considering at the very least. If the move pays off, Reich may very well walk away with his second ring as an Eagles coach.
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