Why Nick Sirianni is Confident Kevin Patullo is Ready to Be OC
INDIANAPOLIS — Nick Sirianni, the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning head coach, has no reservations about promoting Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine on Tuesday afternoon, Sirianni expressed his unwavering belief in Patullo’s capabilities, noting that Patullo’s extensive experience and collaborative approach make him an ideal choice for the role. Sirianni emphasized that he will be there to support Patullo, drawing a parallel to his support for Kellen Moore, who served as the offensive coordinator for one season before moving on to become the Saints’ head coach.
The Interview Process and Collaborative Approach
The Eagles underwent a thorough interview process to fill the vacant position, though Sirianni declined to name the other candidates. He highlighted the importance of the collaborative nature of football, where the responsibility for success or failure is shared among the coaching staff and not solely on the offensive coordinator. Patullo, who has been the passing game coordinator for the past four seasons under Sirianni, has been deeply involved in the decision-making process. Sirianni mentioned that Patullo frequently offers suggestions and discusses play-calling with Kellen Moore, Brian Johnson, and Shane Steichen during games. This hands-on experience and the trust built over the years convinced Sirianni that Patullo is prepared for the demands of the job.
Patullo’s Experience and Role Evolution
At 43, Patullo brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has been a consistent presence in the Eagles’ offensive strategy meetings and has been directly involved in critical game scenarios, such as the two-minute drill. Sirianni noted that Patullo has already had the opportunity to call plays in certain moments, making him familiar with the play-calling process. While Patullo has not consistently called plays during the regular season, his involvement in game management and strategic discussions has been significant. Sirianni’s confidence in Patullo’s readiness stems from his ability to handle these high-pressure situations and his deep understanding of the Eagles’ offensive schemes.
Continuity and Stability in Coaching
Promoting from within has been a strategic move for the Eagles, providing the team with a sense of continuity and stability. Patullo will be the fourth different offensive coordinator in five years under Sirianni, following Shane Steichen, Brian Johnson, and Kellen Moore. For quarterback Jalen Hurts, this will be his sixth different play-caller in his NFL career. Despite this, Sirianni believes that having Patullo, who is intimately familiar with the team’s systems and players, will help maintain consistency. The head coach stressed the importance of evolving while retaining a stable foundation, particularly in terms of terminology and coaching methods. This continuity can be crucial for the players, especially the quarterback, receivers, and offensive linemen, who thrive in familiar environments.
Patullo’s Background and Additional Experiences
Sirianni also pointed out that Patullo’s readiness for the position is not solely due to his time with the Eagles. Before joining Sirianni and Frank Reich in Indianapolis in 2018, Patullo worked under well-respected coaches Chan Gailey and Kevin Sumlin. These experiences have enriched Patullo’s coaching acumen and provided him with diverse perspectives on offensive strategies. Sirianni’s decision to promote Patullo is based not only on his recent contributions but also on the broader range of football knowledge and skills he has acquired throughout his career. This well-rounded background makes Patullo a strong candidate who can bring both new ideas and a solid foundation to the offensive coordinator role.
The Road Ahead and Support Network
Looking ahead, Sirianni is optimistic about the future of the Eagles’ offense under Patullo’s leadership. He reiterated that the team’s success will be a collective effort, and he will be there to support Patullo throughout the season. The head coach believes that the strong relationships and trust built within the coaching staff will continue to drive the team forward. By keeping key position coaches in place, the Eagles aim to maintain a seamless transition and ensure that players remain comfortable and confident in the offensive system. Sirianni’s faith in Patullo’s abilities and the team’s support network underscores his confidence that the Eagles will continue to excel in the upcoming season.
