According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Philadelphia Eagles requested to interview Indianapolis Colts current offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for their same coaching role this early offseason for both teams:
Under head coach Shane Steichen, the 41-year-old Cooter has served as the Colts offensive coordinator since 2023—having previously served as a passing coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2022) and an offensive consultant for the Eagles (2021) among his other prior pro football coaching roles.
One of Cooter’s first coaching stops in the NFL was actually as an offensive assistant with the Colts back from 2009-2011, so there may be some organizational loyalty with Indianapolis as well.
While at face, this is a lateral move, and it will be interesting to see if Indianapolis grants permission. It could at least be somewhat of a promotion, as Steichen consistently handles the offensive play-calling for the Colts. If that job would go to Cooter in Philadelphia, then it theoretically would be an elevation in offensive coaching duties.
With Cooter’s coaching assistance last season, the Colts ranked 8th in most points per game (27.4 avg. ppg), and that was despite losing starting quarterback (and Pro Bowl alternate) Daniel Jones for the last four starts of the regular season due to a season-ending torn Achilles injury.
Until Jones’s fractured fibula and then torn Achilles after midseason, the Colts were a historically elite NFL offense. Even with the unit’s diminished production down the final stretch, star workhorse Jonathan Taylor still rushed for 1,585 total rushing yards and 18 total rushing touchdowns (*leading the league) on 323 total carries.
Should Cooter join the Eagles revamped offensive coaching staff, who recently dismissed ex-OC Kevin Patullo, one interesting name would be former Colts starting quarterback (and arguably future Hall of Famer) Philip Rivers to fill the theoretical vacancy for Indianapolis.
The 2x starting Colts quarterback (and longtime Chargers passer) just shockingly unretired and came in relief of Jones to make 3 starts, and seems interested in pro coaching down the road.
However, with his one son a rising senior and his other an incoming freshman in 2026, the 44-year-old may want to head coach high school football for at least one more season in Fairhope, Alabama, before “turning the corner.”
If it eventually comes to it, current Colts internal replacement offensive coordinator options could include quarterbacks coach Cam Turner, tight ends coach Tom Manning, or passing game coordinator Alex Tanney.
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