Report: Kevin Patullo “to receive strong consideration” for both Eagles and Saints offensive coordinator jobs

Philadelphia’s passing game coordinator/associate head coach could replace Kellen Moore … or head to New Orleans with him.

With Kellen Moore officially leaving the Philadelphia Eagles to become the New Orleans Saints’ new head coach, the Birds need a new offensive coordinator.

Who will it be?

It was previously reported that Eagles passing game coordinator/associate head coach Kevin Patullo is a “strong candidate” to replace Moore. ESPN added some more fuel to that fire on Tuesday afternoon … while also adding that Patullo is a candidate to head to New Orleans WITH Moore:

One can wonder if the threat of Patullo leaving is an effort to help him get the Eagles’ offensive coordinator job.

It’s not hard to believe that Nick Sirianni would prefer an internal promotion since Patullo has been viewed as Sirianni’s right hand man since arriving in Philly. They’ve worked on the same coaching staffs together dating back to 2018 when they were on Frank Reich’s Indianapolis Colts.

Does Sirianni have the kind of juice to get his preference after winning a Super Bowl? Or will Howie Roseman and Jeffrey Lurie heavily influence the next coordinator choice like they did with last year’s hires?

We’ll see.

It’s worth noting that the Eagles can’t merely promote Patullo without first interviewing two minority candidates in order to be Rooney Rule compliant. Even if Patullo is a great candidate, the Eagles should be holding a genuine search in an effort to find the best person to replace Moore. BGN outlined some external candidates who could be considered.

The Eagles previously went with internal OC promotions in 2018 after losing Reich to the Colts and 2023 after losing Shane Steichen to the Colts. Reich’s replacement — Mike Groh — lasted two seasons before being fired due to offensive struggles. Steichen’s replacement — Brian Johnson — was fired after just one season.

Just because it didn’t work for the Eagles in the past doesn’t mean it definitely won’t work out this time. But those bad experiences could very well inform their decision-making this time around.

Speaking during the lead up to Super Bowl LIX, Patullo said his current job is like a halfway point between head coach and offensive coordinator. There’s reason to believe he could be ready to step up, whether that’s in Philly or New Orleans … but there’s also reason to wonder how that’ll go since he doesn’t have experience calling plays.