PHILADELPHIA – Relationships hold significant weight in the NFL, and Nick Sirianni’s connection with Shane Steichen, his former offensive coordinator who is now the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, has opened the door for the Philadelphia Eagles to explore potential candidates for their vacant offensive coordinator position.
The Eagles are currently conducting interviews to find a successor for Kevin Patullo, who was removed from his role following a disappointing offensive performance this season. Jim Bob Cooter, the Colts’ offensive coordinator, recently became the third candidate to be interviewed, alongside Zac Robinson, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, and Mike Kafka, who has experience as the interim head coach of the New York Giants. There are also expectations for an interview with ex-Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Since Cooter is currently under contract with the Colts, the Eagles were required to obtain permission for the interview. Reports indicate that Steichen is amenable to allowing Cooter to pursue this opportunity, which would be seen as a lateral move within the league.
Cooter’s relationship with Sirianni dates back to 2021 when he served as an assistant under Sirianni while Steichen held the offensive coordinator role for the Eagles. There is a shared history between the two, as they also worked together in Kansas City during the early stages of their coaching careers in 2012.
During the 2025 NFL season, Steichen and Cooter successfully built one of the league’s most balanced offenses, achieving top-10 rankings in points per game and total yards, even without starting quarterback Daniel Jones for the final month of the season. Despite their successes, the Colts ultimately fell short of the playoffs.
However, there are concerns that Cooter may be viewed as too closely associated with Sirianni’s coaching philosophy, similar to Patullo, which could hinder the Eagles’ search for fresh ideas and innovative concepts to rejuvenate their offense.
Cooter’s extensive background includes previous roles with the Colts as an offensive assistant from 2009 to 2011, a brief period in Denver, and significant time with the Detroit Lions, where he transitioned from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. He also spent two seasons with the New York Jets and had a year as passing game coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to the Colts with Steichen in 2023.
As the Eagles continue to seek out new talent for their coaching staff, it remains to be seen who will ultimately fill the offensive coordinator position—whether it be Cooter or another candidate who may bring a new perspective and approach to the team’s strategy going forward.