The Philadelphia Eagles have made substantial changes to their coaching staff in preparation for Monday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to the franchise. Matt Patricia will take over as defensive play-caller, while Sean Desai, the current defensive coordinator, will go to the coaches’ booth. Patricia, who was previously a senior defensive assistant, will now be on the sidelines during games.
Patricia, a former New England Patriots defensive coordinator and Detroit Lions head coach, joined the Eagles during the summer following his second tenure with the Patriots as a senior assistant and offensive line coach. Desai took over as defensive coordinator in late February, succeeding Jonathan Gannon, who departed to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals following the Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Philadelphia’s defense has struggled all season, finishing worst in opponent third-down % and 30th in red zone defense. The squad has now given up 30 or more points in three straight games, the longest such run since 2015.
When asked about prospective coaching changes earlier this week, head coach Nick Sirianni originally voiced confidence in the current coaching staff, highlighting their 10-3 record and control over their postseason destiny. Sirianni expressed “total confidence” in Desai, noting that the Eagles hired him with conviction.
Despite the team’s success, there is a noticeable anxiety in the locker room in Philadelphia. Following blowout losses to the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, there has been notable finger-pointing among players, drawing attention away from the team’s overall success. According to reports, certain defensive players are becoming increasingly frustrated.
Veteran leaders are advocating unity as the Eagles prepare for the key stretch run, which begins Monday night in Seattle. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Philadelphia’s final schedule is the easiest in the NFL, with games against the New York Giants and a home game against the Cardinals after the Seattle game. Fletcher Cox, a defensive tackle, underlined the importance of the club identifying true leaders and exceptional players and encouraged them to step up and handle the issues they are now facing.
