According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is having his second interview with the Philadelphia Eagles for their offensive coordinator opening:
Fowler notes that Cooter’s first interview with the Eagles was virtual, while this most recent one was in-person.
On Wednesday evening, ESPN’s Adam Schefter also weighed in on the Eagles offensive coordinator search:
“While they might not be the big names that Sal (Paolantonio) and Philadelphia will like, they’ve spent the last couple of days talking to Jim Bob Cooter of the Indianapolis Colts, and they’ve spoken today with Sean Mannion, the Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach, who a lot of people believe has a bright coaching future,” Schefter reported.
“And they’re looking for the right fit for one of these jobs. They’ve been through any number of candidates. They don’t appear to be in any rush to name somebody. They have Nick Sirianni, who can always call the offense if they can’t find somebody worthy of doing the job. They’re being diligent looking for the right match. And also again, the fit is not for everybody.”
The Colts and head coach Shane Steichen have not blocked the Eagles interview attempts, because while it appears to be a lateral move at face for Cooter, it’s actually not. Steichen will continue to call the offensive plays in Indianapolis, whereas the candidate that the Eagles ultimately hire will be the new play caller for Sirianni.
Regarding Cooter, the 41-year-old has been the Colts offensive coordinator since 2023, having previously served as the Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator in 2022. His ties to the Eagles come from 2021, when he served as an offensive consultant for then first-year head coach Nick Sirianni. Among his prior professional coaching stops, he also served as an offensive assistant for the Colts back in 2009-11.
With Cooter’s offensive coaching assistance, the Colts averaged the 8th most points (27.4 avg. ppg.) in the NFL this past year.
If Cooter were to depart to Philadelphia this early offseason, the Colts could potentially turn to tight ends coach Tom Manning, passing game coordinator Alex Tanney, or quarterbacks coach Cam Turner as internal offensive coordinator replacements. However, let’s just wait-and-see on that front, as Cooter may not be leaving at all.
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